Thursday, November 11, 2010

Helping our Military Families and Veterans




Today, November 11, is Veteran’s Day. When I was out today I briefly glimpsed a guy riding a motorcycle with three big flags attached and waving in the breeze as he went along. I couldn’t see all three flags, but the biggest one was the American Flag. He was his own parade and seemed determined to remind us of what day it was.

I also came across a quote from a friend on Facebook: “The nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”—Elmer Davis.  Today we honor the veterans of all the foreign wars our country has fought in. We also honor those now serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places far away from home. It is our duty as citizens of the country they have protected from invaders and terrorists to support and honor them today and every day.

My friend and former classmate, Pat Pendelton attended a program at South School today to honor local veterans. She reports that veterans from four different eras spoke. The History Channel recorded it and it’s going to be in the Library of Congress. After the program, Pat says, they released doves out on the football field. She says it was a very moving ceremony. We should keep an eye out for the program on the History Channel.

If you would like to help a military family this holiday season, go check out this website: www.operationonceinalifetime.com. You can make donations here for such good reasons as: securing toys for soldiers’ kids; money to help fly a soldier home for the holidays; linens and toiletries for soldiers from the 21st combat hospital who are returning to their barracks; to help a military family suffering from the recession to pay utility bills and medical bills not covered by military health care.

Operation Once in a Lifetime can be found on Facebook. Go there to see stories and videos of soldiers who have been helped by the organization. Since 2007 they have helped 11,522 soldiers.

If you know someone in your local VFW post, you could also call them and ask how you can help this holiday season to make some military family’s celebrations better. It’s difficult to be away from your family on the holidays, especially for those serving overseas. Remember those overseas also by donating money to send them some special treats over the holidays.

Together we can help our military get through the holidays with a smile on their faces.



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