Tori Jacobs' father, Greg, says his daughter loves having her birthday fall on Veterans Day year after year, but today (Friday) is extra special — the Havre de Grace Middle School student turns 11 on Nov. 11, 2011 – or more rhythmically on 11.11.11.
"We didn't really think about it until a few months ago," Jacobs, 44, of Havre de Grace, said about his daughter's big day.
Tori, he described, is a "gregarious, outgoing and outspoken" girl, staying true to her Scorpio characteristics. "She makes friends at the drop of a hat."
The boisterous young lady also isn't afraid to take charge, he continued, and plays the stand-up bass in the school band. "It's almost a foot taller than she is," Jacobs joked.
Every year around this time, Tori's birthday, as well as the significance of that day to Jacobs — a veteran of the Marine Corps — stays on the family's mind.
"I always tease my wife, [Kim], around her birthday that she couldn't have her a few hours early," Jacobs said, referring to Nov. 10 being the Corps birthday. Jacobs' wife also has ties with the military, working for the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Jacobs plans to do his daughter's birthday up right, with a birthday party and special trip to the Delta, Pa., VFW. Tori will plant flags in memory of veterans no longer here, Jacobs said.
The birthday girl will also celebrate with a party at APG's bowling alley, he said, along with friends and plenty of food.
Celebrating his daughter's 11th birthday has also been a reminder of how quickly time flies, Jacobs mentioned.
"In four or five years, she'll be getting her learner's permit or driver's license," he said of his little girl.
With such a special girl celebrating a special day, friends have jokingly told the family to play the lottery with the significant number, Jacobs commented.
"When we do play Keno, we always play that number."