Monday, July 3, 2017

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

It is a day for celebration

for most of us.

We wave our flags 

and grill our burgers


and wolf down our hot dogs.

We stand in line for dripping

ice cream cones

and we stare at the sky

in awe as fireworks

feed us a feast for our eyes.


We are free.

What a blessing to be free.

But that freedom comes at a cost.

A big cost.

I see it every day I work at the VA.

I see the sacrifices made

 by men and women

to ensure our freedom.


So, take just a moment today

and whisper a

THANK YOU

to all those that fought for us

on this, and foreign, land.

Wing a prayer up 

for those families left behind

when their sons and daughters,

husbands and wives,

mothers and fathers

gave their lives for all of us.



Say a prayer, too,

for all those who served

and whose lives are forever altered.

Prayers, too, for those in

ACTIVE SERVICE.

I am so in debt to all of you!

I will leave you with one of my

very favorite photos


of SweetCheeks.

This was taken on our dock

about 5 years ago when the

fireworks were

bursting in the air over the bay.

THAT is 

WONDER & AWE



I hope I never lose that

WONDER & AWE

and I hope I never lose

my appreciation for this

GREAT COUNTRY.

GOD BLESS THE USA!
your photo name

26 comments:

Susie said...

Diana, I am thankful for who served our country and those still serving. My father, uncles ,brothers and nephews have served. I hope our country will always remember. Blessings to you and your loved ones. xoxo, Susie
p.s. I love the pic of SC.

Kathy said...

Thank you for this very moving post. I come from a military family with one of my ancestors fighting in the Revolutionary War. I appreciate each and everyone of our heroes.

Sylvia said...

Well said, Diana. You brought tears to my eyes and heart.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Have a glorious 4th!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Diana, thank you so very much for this beautiful, heartfelt post. So many in my family have served, including my husband. I'm so very proud and thankful to be an American. I say Thank You to all those who serve and have served. God Bless America!

hugs
Sissie

Cecilia said...

Well said, Diana. We owe so much to all those who have and are serving. I am grateful!

Vee said...

Amen

It is absolutely overwhelming to realize all the sacrifices for our freedoms. I think all those dear Patriots want us to celebrate!

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Have a wonderful fourth of July, Diana. Will there be fireworks for you to see from your home? -Jenn

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tribute to our servicemen and women !!!! May they all have a blessed day. Linda in Tn.

Red Rose Alley said...

Happy fourth of July, Diana. I remember well this picture of SweetCheeks. I can just see her looking out at the fireworks from the dock in wonder and amazement. The look on her face says it all. : )

love, ~Sheri

LV said...

Amen! We are truly blessed living in this country regardless of the stuff going on around us. Best wishes to you and family today.

Diane said...

Happy fourth of July to you and your family Diana.

Hugs Diane

Debby said...

God Bless the U.S. Thankstoall the vets and those serving. ❤️

Debby Ray said...

What a beautiful post filled with truth. Thank you and have a blessed Independence Day!

Chatty Crone said...

I agree we are so blessed to live in the US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy 4th of July! Sandie

"Cottage By The Sea" said...

So beautifully stated (as always)! Happy Independence Day!

Cheryl said...

Aww...that face! So innocent and wonder-filled! May she never lose that sense of wonder! Happy 4th of July to you, too, sweet friend. :)

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

Perfectly said! We are very blessed in this country with our freedom and what we have in our every day lives. I am thankful for that. I am thankful for you too! Happy 4th!

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Great post, Diana. May we never forget the sacrifice of the brave men and women in service to our country. Love the expression on Sweet Cheeks! Happy Independence Day, my friend! xo ♥

A Joyful Cottage said...

Amen.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Nicely said Diana. I always remember and I hope others do too. Love the sweet picture of Sweet Cheeks! I hope you have been having a great 4th today!
God Bless the USA!

Lisa said...

Well said! I love seeing the awe in a childs eyes. Patriotism makes me tear up so Im usually looking up at the sky with glassy eyes. I do so appreciate our military. Happy Birthday America and God bless the USA.
Lisa

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Amen to that, Diana. Wish we could all see everything as clearly as through the eyes of a child. This country has always been great and will continue to be so, with the help of all the men and women in uniform. Stars and stripes forever..Happy 4th..xxoJudy

This N That said...

Well said as always, Diana..Hope you had a great 4th..

Karen said...

Beautifully expressed! Love the look of awe!

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Yes, we owe so much to those who serve and defend. I pray that this country can hold on to all of the freedoms that were fought for over the years. Hope you had a happy 4th, Diana!