Happy Veterans Day!
Today, we will stand united with deep respect and appreciation to all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Today our political party, race, and socioeconomic status are put aside and we lock arms together to recognize those who have made sacrifices for our freedom.
To show your appreciation, take the time to remember and understand the details which put into play this federal holiday. Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 each year. It was formerly called Armistice Day - the day that marked the end of World War I - formally recognized on the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month” in 1918.
With over 19 million veterans in the United States currently, it is imperative that we take the time to stop today, bow our heads, and thank God for protection and for our freedom thanks to our many veterans present or past. Sacrifices were made by men and women who did not know your name, did not need to know your political party, and who knew the true meaning of valor - great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.
"If you want to thank a soldier, be the kind of American worth fighting for." Unknown
Here are 7 ways you can stand united today and be the kind of American worth fighting for...
1. Take the time to research and understand why we celebrate Veterans Day.
For many, it has been quite a while since you studied American history in school. It is easy when you are not engaged in certain fields to quickly forget and diminish the importance of holidays such as Veterans Day. However, you can unite our younger generations and our communities today by taking a few extra minutes to read, listen, and engage your family and friends in an open dialogue of appreciation for all who have served.
The veterans who fought for you will never forget their why. The flashbacks, the pain, and the triumphs wake them from sleep, interrupt their everyday life, and hit deep chords that cannot be silenced. Our Veterans matter today and every day.
"America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels." - Claudia Pemberton
2. Call a veteran today.
Today, I will call Pa. He is my father-in-law, Charles Ashley Alford. He served in the Air Force for 12 years, 9 months, 1 day.
Today, I really recognize the worn look of this photo which often describes a veteran's heart. What they gave for us, cannot be repaid. So when you make the call, listen.
Here are words from Pa...
"Serving in the Air Force was one of the most important things I could have done with my life. It made a man out of an 18-year-old boy."
When asked what was a favorite memory of his time in service, he said: "Seeing my wife and family when I landed coming home from Vietnam."
His note to our future generation: "Always be proud of your country. Show respect to the flag of our country. Respect all veterans - we are old men with a lot of things in our heads that most people cannot imagine. Love your Country."
Thank you, Pa. Today, we honor you.
What you gave for us cannot be repaid.
Seeing you is one of our favorite things.
Land of the free because you were brave!
3. Proudly display your American flag.
Proudly display your flag today. We fly an American flag every day of the year here at our house. As a family with many who have served, we know the sacrifice many have made and we recognize the honor it is to be a free American.
In the midst of scandal and chaos with the 2020 election, remember why you display your flag. The veteran that drives past your home today or any day will thank you.
4. Place a flag on a Veteran's grave.
Thank you to the many who take the time today to place a flag on a veteran's grave.
Since I cannot travel the distance to my grandfather's grave, I will put up a small flag in addition to my large one as a way to symbolize that I recognize my grandfather's service. While I know Heaven is his home now and his service to man was just an added extra, I still recognize his hard work and dedication.
Colonel Basil Bennett. He served in the National Guard for over 35 years.
I sure wish my girls could have known him, but I know they have his strength and courage running through their veins.
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F Kennedy.
5. Make a donation.
There are many ways you can donate today. There are approximately 5 million disabled veterans in the US. Take time to do your part. Every little bit matters!
"But this Veterans Day, I believe we should do more than sing the praises of the bravery and patriotism that our veterans have embodied in the past. We should take this opportunity to re-evaluate how we are treating our veterans in the present." Nick Lampson
"The Bible tells us: If you owe debts, pay debts; if honor, then honor; if respect, then respect. And today, here at Arlington and all across this nation, Americans gather to pay a debt of gratitude to the generations who’ve answered the call to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States." Vice President Pence Read more
6. Let no Veteran feel forgotten.
You've made your political stance for months, you've praised your children and self accomplishments on social media, today it is time to recognize the real heroes. Fill your feed with gratitude to our veterans, let their inboxes remain full, and their phones keep ringing.
Do not take your today for granted... because your today is thanks to many brave Veterans.
"We remember those who were called upon to give all a person can give, and we remember those who were prepared to make that sacrifice if it were demanded of them in the line of duty, though it never was. Most of all, we remember the devotion and gallantry with which all of them ennobled their nation as they became champions of a noble cause." Ronald Reagan
"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." Douglas MacArthur
7. Inspire Future Generations.
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." George Washington
Let freedom and gratitude flow throughout your homes. Inspire your youth to protect what matters, stay humble and sensitive to those who have fought for them, and encourage them to sit down with a veteran in the very near future and just listen. Emotions flow freely when sincere, genuine communication is allowed to flourish.
Today I will sit and listen, to the Veteran who has allowed my life to glisten.
His wounds and sacrifice I will never forget, and for his service, I will forever be in debt.
Raise up our future generations, to value the freedom for which they enjoy,
and to be forever grateful for all those ones who still remain deployed.
Thank you, Veterans, living or deceased for my freedom which has not ceased.
I will close my eyes in peace tonight knowing you have fought with all your might.
From this day forward I will make you proud,
as I follow in your footsteps in all the ways you vowed.
Feeling free... Thanks to all you Veterans!
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