Veteran’s Day 2013

Veteran’s Day 2013

Belinda @ Kids Matter

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" ~ President Wilson

Originating as Armistice Day, November 11, 1919, Veteran’s Day is, “A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good” as per The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. This national holiday is not only a tribute to our fallen soldiers who paid with their lives for the freedoms we, as U.S. citizens, are afforded, but also the superior men and women who have chosen a life of honor and selflessness for which their lives are on the block in order to protect ours. These self-sacrificing service personnel are put through rigorous training every day in order to keep them prepared and motivated for the protection of our country. They endure sleepless nights, harsh weather, and intensive conditioning of which, if you aren’t a soldier, you could not possibly fathom. They see and experience tragedy that a civilian would never comprehend. These men and women have such a great respect for authority and chain of command that in return, they deserve the same. 

Men and women of the military (past, present, and future) be it Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard (fallen, retired, or active duty) deserve and command respect and appreciation from all of us. It doesn’t matter if you agree with the political factors involved in the military actions. What matters is that these service personnel are ready, able, and willing to give their lives to protect and serve YOU! It doesn’t matter one iota if these soldiers are on full-time active duty, Reserves, or National Guard. Each serves this country in a way that non-service people can only imagine. They are the top quality, front lines, of our country! They are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, sons, daughters and friends. They protect us at home and abroad, near to our hearts yet far away. 

At this time I would like to take this opportunity to present a heartfelt thank you to my own friends and family who are or have served this country proudly.

Words can never express the respect and admiration I have for my son-in-law, Mason, who proudly represents the Army. Thank you! To my brother, Allen, and friend Dave, who boldly and bravely served our country through the Air Force, thank you! To Army Vets John (step-dad), Mike (brother), and Kim (friend and co-worker), thank you for your patronage and the services you contributed to our great nation. To my father-in-law, Gerald, brother-in-law, Jeff, and Uncle John, for the protection and services you provided through the Navy, thank you. In remembrance and honor of those passed; my Grandpa John, step-dad, Jimmy (Army), and Uncle Roger (Navy). Respectfully, I would also like to acknowledge and say thank you to all the military wives, husbands, and family members who support their soldier every breath; every minute of every day!

To all soldiers, on this Veteran’s Day, we salute you with a Bravo Zulu OORAH HOOAH HOOYAH and a sincere THANK YOU!!

If you would like to thank a soldier please see the information below. Don’t wait until Veteran’s Day 2014! There is no time like the present to say THANK YOU!

·         Write a letter or send a card to the service member.

·         Send a care package: through someone you know … the USO (https://www.uso.org/Donate_Operation_USO_Care_Package.aspx), 

Any Soldier (http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm), or Give 2 The Troops (http://www.give2thetroops.org/)

·         Send a handmade craft item such as a bracelet or a scarf.

·         Pray for them.

·         Thank a family member of the spouse who is here in the U.S.

Proudly display and honor the American Flag.