Today is Veteran's Day. A day that even as a little girl, I was not allowed to forget. My grandfather flew planes in WWII and my Great Uncle went MIA, never to return home to his family or loved ones.
Thomas Lafer, a distant member of my family that fought at Gettysburg
Today we fight a much different war, but the message is not muddled. Thanks, appreciation and gratitude is still deserved by every man and woman in every branch of the service.
If you love or know someone in the military than you certainly get the importance of today. If you don't, take a moment to stop and look around the room you're in. I'm sure you have a computer in front of you, a roof over your head, and clothes on your back. Silly as they may seem, these simple freedoms are provided to us because of those that have choose to fight, and those who have lost their lives, for our freedom.
Please take the time today to thank those in your life and around you who have sacrificed so much, so we may have endless options.
I'd like to personally say "thank you" to all the men and women I know who are serving our nation. Your valiance and effort does not go unnoticed, it is appreciated and I am humbled by your choice. Also, a special "thanks" to Josh, for choosing to serve in such a trying time, you are truly the bravest man I know.
Simply in love with a Soldier
photos via me
And I ask my readers to send up a prayer, for my grandfather, great uncle, and all those that have died in combat, simply devoted to serving our flag.
Lastly, though the day belongs to them, I'd like to thank all the women I know in the Silent Ranks. Those that walk among us, as daughters, mothers and friends, waiting patiently in the wings for their loved ones to leave or return home. You are constantly in my prayers and your strength, patience and love gives me the strength to do this too. You are in my heart, right there, standing by your man.
I leave you with this poem by Joanna Fuchs, found via
Poem Source
:
When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.
They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.
They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends;
some lost their livesIn long and brutal wars.
Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.
We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.
So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.
Though rather large I love this print from 
