This was posted on a Soldiers Mind in Nov. 2007. I'm do not remember who wrote this, it would be by Teri or CJ.As we get closer and closer to November 11th … Veteran’s Day, I’ve been thinking a lot about the things in my life that are made possible by the Veterans of our nations armed forces. The sacrifices made by the men and women who have go gallantly served our nation in the past and those who continue to do so today. Our nation’s entire history is rich with stories of things that our veterans and troops have done to win and maintain the freedoms that so very many of us in the United States seem to take for granted.Freedom, the word has a special ring to it, doesn’t it? How many times, do you really think about that word and what it means in this country, heck in this world? How many times do you stop and think about how it is, that we are able to be free? Most of us don’t ever give it a second thought, but instead take freedom for granted, as if it’s owed to us. As you go about your day, think about all of the things that we’re free to do here in the United States. Things like being able to speak our mind, when we don’t agree with something, being able to chose the career path we wish to take in our life, being able to date and marry the person of our choice, without government interference, the freedom to own our own property and do with it as we see fit, the freedom to wear whatever we wish and not have government or religious rules dictate what we can and cannot wear, the freedom to believe and worship as we see fit. How many of us take the time to teach our children about the men and women who earned their freedom for them? Many in our country have become so accustomed to the freedoms we have here in the United States, that we feel that these freedoms are owed to us. Those freedoms didn’t come without a price. The price for the freedoms that we enjoy, most of the time wasn’t paid for ourselves, but instead those freedoms were paid for from the blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice of the men and women serving in our country’s Armed Forces. That’s something that I never forget, as I enjoy the things I am able to do in my life. I’m fully cognizant of the fact that I didn’t earn those freedoms, but that instead, men and women, whom most I didn’t know, loved this country and its citizens so much, that they were willing to pay the price for me and you to have the freedoms that we have. For that, I’m eternally grateful to the men and women who have served and who are serving our country. Each time I think about what they were willing to give up for me and my fellow citizens of the United States, I get chills, to think of the pride, courage and dedication to the principals of this country, that each of these men and women have.As you go about living your life over the next couple of weeks, take some time to stop and think about the gift that these men and women have given to you and your family. Think about the things they had to give up and sacrifice, just to make sure you could live your life in freedom, without worry that someone would come along and take that away from you. Look around you at the faces of the men and women whom you come in contact with each day. Are they a Veteran, or are they currently serving? I challenge each of our readers to take the time to go up to a Veteran or a serving military member and shake their hand, look them in the eye and tell them “Thank You For Your Service and Sacrifices.” While that’s a small gesture, to many, just hearing someone say that means so very much. Especially to our Vietnam era Vets. They, unfortunately didn’t get the lavish welcome home celebrations and parades in their honor. Instead, they were treated to hatred and disrespect from their fellow Americans.Get involved in some type of Veterans charity, there are many of them out there. If you have a Veteran’s Hospital or Veteran’s Nursing Home nearby, take time out of your day to stop by and bring some cheer to those who have sacrificed so much for you and for me. Tell them Thank You, listen to their stories. You’ll walk away feeling much more humbled and grateful for the freedoms we have and will hopefully be able to understand the reasons we have those freedoms. Take this chance to give back just a little bit.
Views: 0
You need to be a member of The Patriots For America to add comments!
Thank you for this reminder Twana. My brother, a retired Air Force veteran, reminds all of us that Freedom has a high price. Thanks to all our Patriots!! God Bless You!
Replies