30 Day of Thankful (Day11)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 11

I am thankful for being born an American citizen.  Thankful that I enjoy many freedoms that I try hard not to take for granted in my everyday life.  From being able to vote for our leaders and laws to my freedom of speech.

I am eternally grateful to the many men and women in military service so I could have the many freedoms I enjoy today. Thank you to our approximately 23.2 million Veterans! They come from all walks of life to serve and protect our country. They are parents, children, grandparents, neighbors and co-workers.
Thank you!

National Purple Heart Day

August 7 is National Purple Heart Day

This day is in honor of all the brave men and women who have received the Purple Heart.

All Gave Some, Some Gave All.

The Purple Heart is awarded to Military Personnel for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy ofthe United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces.




Thank you for all that you have done.  I enjoy many liberties today due to your sacrifices.

Thank you to all our Troops!

Today we honor all those military that were lost at Pearl Harbor 70 years ago, as well as the ones that continued the fight in the midst of all that destruction in paradise.
I remember singing "God Bless the USA" with Lee Greenwood when I was in Elementary school.  It filled me with such great pride to be an American.  Even with how the majority of the world views Americans in a negative light, many would still give everything to be a citizen. many have given all.

Now that I am an adult, I understand more than ever how much our troops sacrificed to defend our nation and it's liberties.  Since 1775 more than 1.3 million troops have died to protect our freedoms.

Twas the night before Christmas, and he lived in a crowd, 

In a 40 man tent, with warriors so loud.

 I had come into the tent with presents to give, 

And to see just who in this rack did live. 

I looked all about, and a strange sight I did see, 

No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. 

No stockings were hung, just boots close at hand, 

On the locker hung pictures of far distant lands....... 

He had medals and badges and awards of all kind, 

And a sobering thought came into my mind. 

For this place was different, it was so dark and dreary, 

I had found the home of a Soldier, this I could see clearly. 

The Soldier lay sleeping, silent and alone, 

Curled up in his rack, dreaming of home. 

The face was so gentle, the barracks in such good order,

 But not how I pictured a United States Soldier. 

Was this the hero whom I saw on TV? 

Defending his country so we all could be free? 

I realized the families that I've seen this night, 

Owed their lives to these Soldiers who were willing to fight. 

Soon round the world, the children would play, 

And grownups would celebrate a new Christmas Day. 

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, 

Because of the Soldiers, like the one lying here. 

I couldn't help but wonder how many lay alone, 

On a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. 

The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. 

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, 

"Santa, don't cry, for this life is my choice."

 "Defend my country this day, the peace do I keep." 

The soldier then rolled over and drifted to sleep, 

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. 

I kept watch for hours so silent, so still, 

And we both shivered from the night's cold chill. 

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night, 

This guardian of honor so willing to fight. 

Then the Soldier rolled over and with a voice soft and pure, Whispered, 

"Carry on Santa, it's Christmas ... All is Secure.