Veteran's Day 11/11/11

As I sat up today I noticed a ton of people posting about how today was 11/11/11 and how cool that was and not how today was VETERAN'S DAY and how thankful they were. 

This made me think about last years post on Veteran's day which you can find here
and the fact that

last year I said there would be no venting 

that no one could take away the meaning

of this special day. 

I posted this on facebook this morning

and it seems fitting to blog as well:
"Today is so much more than a date that reads 11/11/11... it's a day in which we take the time to honor, remember, and be thankful for ALL who have served this great nation. To my great grandfather's, to both my grandfathers, to my step grandfather, to my uncle, to my dad, to my husband's grandfather, to my husband, to my brother in law, to so many of our friends, to ALL who have served, are serving, will serve, and paid the price for our country... THANK YOU. Thank you for making a commitment to protect and serve regardless of the price and for standing up for the freedom of this country."

This country is the best in the world. 

I truly believe it

and 

I will always proclaim it.

And part of what makes it the best

are the forces that protect it!!

Our sailors,

marines,

soldiers,

airmen,

coasties,

national guardsmen,
active duty and reserves,

retired and current, 

past and present

put their lives on the line

so that we can live the lives we do.

A Veteran is someone, 

who at one point in their life,

wrote a blank check 

payable to the United States of America

for an amount up to,

and including,

their life.

So please,

honor, remember, acknowledge,

and

THANK a Veteran today

for the sacrifices they have made.

Last year I found this quote and found it suiting for this year as well:

“With bravery and strength they serve,
with dignity and pride they stand,
with courage and hope they fight,

the life they live is
dangerous,
treacherous,
rough,
and hard going

but when the fog clears they are the one who will still stand.”

Thank you from the bottom of my heart