DAYTON, Ohio — Every year, men and women who have served our country are recognized on 'Armed Forces Day' for their sacrifices to keep America safe.

This year Carlisle Manor, an Ohio retirement community, is paying tribute to its residents who served. 

On Friday, they hosted its Armed Forces Day ceremony. Veterans were presented with a pin and certificate. Sixty-nine-year-old Marine Corps Veteran Wesley Black was one of the veterans honored.  

“It was a pleasure and an honor to serve my country,” Black said.

Black enlisted in the service in 1971. He had dropped out of college and was looking for something new. He said his experience while in boot camp is something that stands out to him to this day. 

“It’s the hardest, physical thing I’ve ever done in my life and so many people told me I wasn’t going to make it,” he said.

During his time in the service, Black has served in places like Japan, Hawaii and the Philippines. But he wasn’t on the frontlines like his counterparts. He worked in the office doing business administration work. 

“I felt like I wasn’t doing like the other Marines were doing,” he said. “Even though I was trained to carry a pistol I wasn’t out there getting in the dirt all day. I was working in an office.”

The pin and certificate aren't the only recognition Black has received for his time in the service. He’s received a number of ribbons.

“I got one for being in the service and then I got one while overseas during the Vietnam-era,” he said.

Recognition or not, Black said he’s honored to have served his country and will gladly do it again to protect his family and other Americans. 

“I looked at it like I’m doing it for them (family), not for me,” he said.