Faith Lo
Every mug that Deneen Pottery makes tells a story. Some are stories of adventure in our breathtaking national parks, some of family traditions passed down through generations, and others some of the most humbling of all are stories of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting the freedoms we all hold dear.
We have had the profound honor of crafting handmade mugs for many branches of the United States Armed Forces. From the U.S. Marine Corps to the National Guard, these mugs aren’t just stoneware vessels, they are tributes. They are small but powerful reminders of service and sacrifice, etched in clay and fired with gratitude. For us, it’s not just a job, it’s a privilege.
Why We Honor Our Service Members
Freedom is something many of us get to enjoy daily waking up in safety, voicing our opinions, practicing our beliefs, pursuing careers, raising families but that freedom isn’t free. Behind it are millions of Americans, past and present, who have put their lives on the line to defend it.
Veterans and active-duty military personnel are the backbone of our nation’s strength. They serve not for glory, not for recognition, but out of a deep sense of duty and love for their country. These men and women willingly endure long deployments, time away from family, physical and mental hardships, and often danger, so that the rest of us can live in peace.
That’s not just bravery, it’s selflessness. It’s the kind of courage that deserves more than just a moment of silence or a symbolic gesture once or twice a year. It deserves our ongoing respect, our gratitude, and our commitment to honoring them in both word and action.
A Small Part of a Bigger Story
When a service member or someone close to them receives one of our mugs, we hope they feel more than the warmth of a good cup of coffee or tea. We hope they feel seen. Remembered. Appreciated.
These mugs become a part of their daily routine, just as their service has become a part of our nation’s history. Each mug is handcrafted with care, because that mug might sit on a desk in a command center. Or be given as a gift at a retirement ceremony. Or travel across the globe with someone stationed far from home.
We’ve had the honor of making mugs for members of the U.S. Marine Corps, one of the most elite branches of our armed forces, known for their relentless spirit, honor, and commitment to duty. Marines are trained to respond rapidly, with strength and precision, often being the first to fight and the last to leave. They serve on land, at sea, and in the air, ready to defend the United States at a moment’s notice.
The Mug as a Memory
One of the most beautiful things about handmade pottery is that it lasts. It becomes part of someone’s story. Over time, it carries memories of the places it’s been, the hands that have held it, the conversations over coffee, and the quiet, reflective moments of solitude.
For veterans and active-duty military personnel, these mugs might symbolize a career of service, a deployment overseas, or the lifelong friendships forged in uniform. They serve as reminders that what they’ve done matters. That the sacrifices made, the missed holidays, the late nights, the hard goodbyes were seen, felt, and appreciated by a grateful nation.
And while we at Deneen Pottery may only play a small role in that larger story, we don’t take it lightly. Every time we send off a mug to a military unit or base, we pause and reflect on who it’s for and why.
Recognizing Service, Every Day
While days like Veterans Day and Memorial Day offer us opportunities to collectively remember and honor those who’ve served, we believe it’s important to integrate that recognition into our daily lives.
If you know a veteran or someone currently serving, take the time to listen to their story. Say thank you. Offer your support. Sometimes, even the smallest gestures like a mug with their branch insignia or a simple note of appreciation can mean the world.
We also encourage our community to support organizations that advocate for and assist veterans, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, Fisher House Foundation, or Disabled American Veterans (DAV). These organizations do critical work to ensure that those who’ve served receive the care, support, and recognition they deserve.
A Tradition of Respect
At Deneen Pottery, we talk a lot about traditions, family traditions, holiday traditions, traditions of craftsmanship. Honoring those who serve is a tradition we are proud to uphold.
We are a family-run company, and at our core, we believe in gratitude. In community. In service to something greater than ourselves. That’s why making mugs for our military is so deeply meaningful to us. It aligns with who we are, not just as artisans, but as Americans.
So to every service member reading this active-duty, reserve, veteran, or retired we say thank you. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for standing guard while the rest of us sleep peacefully at night. Thank you for protecting the land we love and the freedoms we cherish.
And thank you for allowing us, in some small way, to be part of your journey.
With Honor and Gratitude
From our hands to yours, our mugs are more than just clay; they’re symbols of respect. They are tokens of appreciation crafted with the same dedication you’ve shown in service to this country.
We’re proud to serve those who serve.
Faith Lo
