Yesterday, Lily and I, along with my Dad, went with her American Heritage Girls troop to a State Veterans Nursing Home facility, where we were part of the Veteran's Day festivities. It was a beautiful day out in the breezy courtyard. Our girls looked like a living American flag in their troop colors, their faces shining with God's expression of love.When it was time for us to sing "God Bless America," the folks were so blessed, they asked us to sing the song again as an encore. After the program, we mingled with residents, passing out cards of thanks to each of them, and hung hand-made decorations on their doors.
There isn't enough "thanks" to go around when it comes to those who served our country through the military. Whenever I see a person in uniform, I make it a point to thank them for serving and protecting our nation. It's one way we can continually show honor and respect.
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| My siblings and I had our dad's name engraved on this memorial. |
I'll start by saying thank you to my dad, who served as a tail gunner in World War II. He enlisted at the young age of 18, eager to serve his country. Interestingly, although he was a Wisconsin resident at the time, the Navy sent him to NAS Jacksonville, as well as Camp Blanding, for training. He never would have guessed that one day he would reside here. Thanks Dad, for protecting our country!
Question of the week: who can you thank for serving our country?
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19 comments:
My dad is currently in the Coast Guard as a PA. Also, my grandpa served in WWII as an instructor for artillery units.
Thank you for writing this! It gave me an opportunity to ask my dad about my grandpa's time in the Army. I loved hearing my dad's stories about his dad!
my grand dad and great uncle tommy my grand dad was serving in Vietnam in the navy and my uncle tommy served in the air force
In my life I have met so many people who have diligently served our country; to name all of them would be quite the task, so I have just mentioned the names of the men that have impacted me the most. These individuals drive to serve their country go above and beyond the normal standard,and for that I am thankful. Dad, Grampie, Admiral Ray, Mr. Dennard, and all three former service men who received the service dogs we had the privilege to train. Thank you so much for what you do and have done to serve us and our country, you make me proud to be an AMERICAN.
The person I would have to thank for his time serving for our freedom would be my godfather, Papa Ford. He served in Vietnam and almost died. He told me that he was so shot up that he heard some of his comrades say “Ford’s a goner.” This means that there was no use in trying to save him because he was going to die. They gave up hope on him but God did not. Bless the Lord for he is still alive.
Briana,
I'm very thankful your dad has chosen to serve our country by protecting our waters. He has made sacrifices for his country AND his family. With that said, I want to thank you to you and your family as well.
Chrissy
Glen,
Your Grand Dad chose to serve our country at a time when there was much opposition to being involved in a war. Men like your Grand Dad had passion for our country, more than political reasons to get involved. For that, I am grateful. And a big thank you to your Uncle Tommy too!
Chrissy
Jenna,
I agree in thanking those whom you know. I am especially grateful for the service men you mentioned who received your trained dogs. I pray the dogs bring pleasure and comfort to them.
Chrissy
Samuel,
Thank you Papa Ford for serving our country in the war and thank you God for sparing Papa Ford! I guess you're not a goner until God says you're a goner.
Chrissy
My grand-dad Kennon served in the Vietnamese war and was a survivor of the Pearl Harbor. I try to call him every year to thank him but I just cant put in the time to do it. Also my grand-dad Tillman served in WW2 in the Navy. He died in 2007.
Jared,
How special to have both grand dads as war veterans. There must have been plenty of war stories.
I know what you mean about time, but I would encourage you to call anyway. I was surprised to hear from other veterans how much it means to them when someone acknowledges their service to our country, especially on Veteran's Day.
Chrissy
I would like to thank my Uncle David for serving his life in the navy. My papa Tillman decided to serve in the navy for WWII when he was young man. My dad's dad watched the bombing of Pearl Harbor when he was only 11. Being the son of a sailor he was inspired to join the navy. He is one of the survivors and is still living today. He and my great grandfather served in the navy, so I want to thank all of them for their sacrifice, patriotism, and bravery.
Evan,
To hear stories about Pearl Harbor is fascinating. It truly took our country by surprise.
It sounds like there has been a family legacy started in serving through the armed forces. I wonder who will be the next to serve in your family?
Chrissy
I would just like to thank Forrest Pendleton and his family who have served in the Navy for a while. He is a great father husbond and friend. I am lucky to know him and his family.
My great grandpa Grandpa Crainshaw served in WWII, my great uncle Uncle Roy served in the Navy, and my other great uncle Uncle Ron served but my mom cant remember where or when.
I can thank both my granddaddy Tillman from my mother's side and my granddaddy Kennon from my dad's side. I can also honor my uncle David and great granddaddy Leonard Kennon who all served in the navy!
There are many ways we can honor our vets like going to the Veterans Day parade which my family attends annually. We also write for two essay contests called Patriots Pen and The Voice of Democracy which gives you the chance to tell about things such as how we can help support our veterans, why we have faith in our soldiers, and what the next generation can do to continue the bravery and valor of the brave men and women who went before us.
My mom also coordinated an event where members from my church got together to pack care packages for sailors on the Hue City, a huge guided missile cruiser!
But even if you aren't packing boxes or sending letters, the one thing you can do anytime to honor our fearless soldiers is to just give them a simple thank you.
Autumn,
I think you would agree that for the most part, serving in the military brings out good character in a man.
I am also thankful your friend Forrest served our country.
Chrissy
Abbey,
Thanks for mentioning your great Grandpa and your two great uncles. We have these men to thank for laying down their lives in a time of great conflict.
Chrissy
Well put, Grayson. I can't agree with you more. These folks put themselves in harms way for you and I, as well as, what they believe in. Even when our nation faces struggles, we know it's the best country in the world to live in :)
Chrissy
Im the same boat as you mom. Thanks Papa, for serving.
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