Days of Gratitude- Day 11, 2011

Day 11 -  Today I am thankful for the many Veterans, past & present and for the service they have given to our nation.  Many of the things we take for granted are available to us because of the sacrifices they have made.  Today is a specific day to be thankful for these men & women...but truly, we should all be thankful every day for what they do and have done for our nation.  


Each time you set a Vet - please extend your hand and let them know that you are grateful for the ways that they have served. 


Thank you Veterans!
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Days of Gratitude - Day 11

In Honor of Veterans Day....Today I am more than thankful for our Veterans!

 

 Raising of the Flag at Iwo Jima (Oorah Marines + 1 Sailor)

 Tomb of the Unkown Soldier - Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

I mentioned yesterday that I'm incredibly proud & thankful for the Marine Corps.  And today falls right in suit with that.  The veterans who have served this nation are often the most soft spoke people you will ever encounter, not likely seeking the spotlight or recognition.  For them they have done their duty & their job in protecting this nation.  What they have given is more than anyone can ever fully know. 

Three years ago my mom & I were able to spend some time in D.C. - my first time ever.  One of the most significant places I wanted to see was Arlington National Cemetery.  I'm the product of veterans, and there is no better place to pay respects & honor those who have gone before.  We were able to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  If you have never experienced this...GO!  Those 10 minutes were some of the most moving of my entire life.  The Honor Guard march proudly, day & night, thru hail, thunderstorms, snow, & heat protecting that tomb. There is symbolism to every piece of the guarding of the tomb.  21 steps each way in front of the tomb (in reference to a 21 gun salute). But the most memorable piece of this entire experience is that the only sound coming from that place - is the steady, dependable click of the Honor Guard's heels as he reaches the end of his 21 steps, does an about face and returns another 21 paces.

It is serious, it is honoring, and it will make you proud to be a citizen of this great nation - where so many have laid down their life.

Be sure to thank a Veteran - don't expect a boisterous response, it's not in their nature.  But rather be humble and thank them for their sacrifice and for protecting our freedoms.

Thank you

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Be Sure To Thank A Veteran

The time has almost arrived for me to head to San Diego to pick up the little brother from
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton

This is the building where my brother has been serving our country by caring for other military service men & women for the last 2 years.  We'll be driving back home Sunday where he'll get about a week & a half of leave.  After that he & my mom are headed back out on the open road - with Norfolk, Virginia as their final destination.
Allan (aka Alli-babah) received his orders about a month ago to report for duty aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71.

I am proud of my little brother for his voluntary service to our nation.  He is such a noble, humble young man.
And for that matter - I'm incredibly grateful for my parents, who also both served this nation voluntarily - my dad specifically, who served in & during Vietnam, and also during the first Gulf War.  My father served as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the United States Marine Corps, handling the electrical for many jets, helicopters, etc.  My mom served as a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps as a dispersing clerk.  They both served and loved the military and how it changed/shaped their lives. Both my mom & my dad are proud of their service and love the Marine Corps and our nation more than words.
Their decisions to join and serve our nation have drastically impacted myself & my little brother - we are both so proud of parents and often don't even have the right words to express our gratitude to them for all that they did and continue to do.  


Don't forget to thank a veteran and any active duty soldier you know or encounter! They have sacrificed much for the freedoms we enjoy and often take for granted.  Whatever your opinion - they make a choice and make a difference, and for that - deserve our respect.

So say shake a hand, look them in the eye (they'll appreciate it), and sincerely thank them for all they have done.
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