The sacrifices of our men and women of our military are appreciated by just about everyone. In particular, we are all most grateful to those who gave their lives for us. We are also grateful for those who did not come back to us in the condition that they left us in. Some have returned without one or more limbs. Many more have returned physically and mentally scarred for life. But, most have returned to us like they left us – without a sense of entitlement. It is from their position of self-sacrifice that I begin to contemplate how I can express my thankfulness for our veterans.
For me, gratitude should be more than just a few words to a veteran that I meet. Gratitude should also be more than a few boxes that are occasionally sent overseas.
I will express my gratitude in this way: I will remember that they fought for a reason – freedom. They fought to keep our freedom by securing territories hostile to the idea of individual freedom. I will remember that they fought in a place that was not of their choosing. I will remember where they were and that they ate meals that, at times, had more sand than protein in them. I will also remember the sacrifices of their spouses, kids, parents and siblings. More importantly, I will remember that freedom is not free and that safe guarding of our freedom comes at a cost. I will remember that my freedom cost someone else more than it has me. I will also remember to support my local veteran associations like the Hunt for Heroes organization that honors and blesses our wounded veterans with all-expense paid for deer hunts.
To all the men and women who are currently in uniform, to all those that have been in uniform, to all active duty and veteran families. Thank you. And, I will remember.
Veteran’s Day Message – Keeping My Thankfulness Sincere
The sacrifices of our men and women of our military are appreciated by just about everyone. In particular, we are all most grateful to those who gave their lives for us. We are also grateful for those who did not come back to us in the condition that they left us in. Some have returned without one or more limbs. Many more have returned physically and mentally scarred for life. But, most have returned to us like they left us – without a sense of entitlement. It is from their position of self-sacrifice that I begin to contemplate how I can express my thankfulness for our veterans.
For me, gratitude should be more than just a few words to a veteran that I meet. Gratitude should also be more than a few boxes that are occasionally sent overseas.
I will express my gratitude in this way: I will remember that they fought for a reason – freedom. They fought to keep our freedom by securing territories hostile to the idea of individual freedom. I will remember that they fought in a place that was not of their choosing. I will remember where they were and that they ate meals that, at times, had more sand than protein in them. I will also remember the sacrifices of their spouses, kids, parents and siblings. More importantly, I will remember that freedom is not free and that safe guarding of our freedom comes at a cost. I will remember that my freedom cost someone else more than it has me. I will also remember to support my local veteran associations like the Hunt for Heroes organization that honors and blesses our wounded veterans with all-expense paid for deer hunts.
To all the men and women who are currently in uniform, to all those that have been in uniform, to all active duty and veteran families. Thank you. And, I will remember.