Saturday, November 11, 2017

MY PERSONAL THANK YOU TO OUR BRAVE VETS

I am ashamed that I don't

always think about what the cost

is for my freedom.

I don't always think about

the person that laid

down their life so that

I can enjoy the freedoms

this country allows.


I don't always think about

the day-to-day struggles that

some of our veterans must deal with...

the physical, emotional, spiritual end

of it.


I do think about my Father,

a vet of WWI (yes-WWI)-

He was a young man in the service and 

a man of many years when I was born (53).

His gas mask was in our attic.

He never talked about WWI

but I have 1/2 of the letters he

wrote home to his family.

My dear brother had the other half.



I do think about my Uncle Samuel,

that fought in the Korean War~

but I don't ever remember him

mentioning it.


I do think about my foster brother, Gene,

that was part of the Vietnam war years...

the war that wasn't a war,

or so they say.



I do think about my nephew, Scott,

that suffered permanent damage

when he was fired on as

he guarded one of

Sadam's palaces.


I think about my friend, Tom,

a man that shared a 3 room 

schoolhouse with me in the 

shadow of the mountains 

in Pennsylvania,

a career man that was a 

Chief Petty Officer.



And, I do think about a man

that has a blog..

A man that I met in my blog travels...

you know when you hit that

Next Blog button on the top..

This is a man that gave it all

for his country...

and is now but a shadow

of his former self, on the outside..

Inside- he is a fighter of the

greatest magnitude.

I have so much respect for

Kurt The Krippled Warrior.

He lives a hard life but asks

for no pity or sympathy.


As many of you know,

I volunteer at the VA on Tuesdays.

I am so blessed to be a small part of it.

Two of the men I work with

were in Vietnam and served faithfully.

Thank you Dave you crazy fool

and Rick.

Rick is the "normal" to balance

Dave!

I am blessed to know you both.




Today, I hope  to

raise a salute to every man or woman

that fights for all of us.

God Bless Our Veterans

and those that are serving

our country today.

Without you- we have no hope.


Have a wonderful Tuesday

and if you out and about and see

a service person shake his or her hand

and tell them 

Thank You For Your Service.

You'll be glad you did.
your photo name

38 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

I want to thank all the Veterans out there - THANK YOU for your service! Sandie

Adam said...

Technically we haven't be in a formal war since WWII. Amazing presidents could start Vietnam, Korea, and the Middle east ones without an act of congress.

HIBISCUS HOUSE said...

A wonderful tribute Diana. WWI I am amazed and thankful for his service too. Thankful for all who have served and are serving to help protect our way of life.

Pam said...

Nicely done.

Lisa said...

You speak for so many. We seem to only really think about it when its mentioned all day. When I see a man in uniform or have the veterans tag bolted to their car, it makes me think about those who faught. When I see old photos of soldiers, my eyes tear up with the thought of how they were just babies fighting so save this country. God bless them them all.
Lisa

Mac n' Janet said...

Beautiful post Nana.

Theresa said...

SO many to salute on this day! My Daddy served in WWII and never wanted to talk about those days! I salute ALL who served! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Susie said...

Diana, I thank you for your tribute to our vets. I thank all our vets and the vets in my own family. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Anonymous said...

My heartfelt thanks to those you have specifically mentioned in this post. May God bless.

Sylvia said...

Amen and Amen, Diana!

Happy Harris said...

What a beautiful Post Diana...it bought tears to my eyes xx I am right here with you sending lots of love and thanks to all our service men and women who have fought over the years. God Bless them all xxx

Art and Sand said...

What a lovely post this morning.

Happy Harris said...

Hello Diana...is this any better ? xx

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Beautiful tribute to those you know and don't know. I, too, am in awe of the fortitude of mind and spirit it takes to fight for out country. At the same time I am deeply saddened by the lack of respect shown to our heroes in today's world. It sickens me, because these people that are so hate-filled have no idea what it takes to lay down your life for the USA.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Love this.
Brenda

SImple and Serene Living said...

Thanks to all of our vets for their service. xo Laura

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Great post! I have had so many family members in the Armed Services including my Dad who was a career Marine. So proud of our country and those who fight to protect it.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Great post, Diana! Lest We Forget.

Linda said...

♥️

Kay G. said...

Went to a Veteran's Service today. I saw an elderly gentleman driven from the parking lot to the staging area by golf cart, once there, he got out and began to walk slowly with a cane. Not one person came forward to help him, so I went to him and asked if I could escort him to a chair. He gratefully accepted my hand and when he was seated, I leaned over and thanked him for his service. Wish I could tell every veteran this today.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Beautiful post Diana. I pray for Kurt every night. He truly gave to his country. I do follow his blog.

My ex-husband was in the Korean War and NEVER talked about it. My friend that just died was also in the Korean War and he never talked about it either. Both of them were in the Navy.

So glad that you give your time to the VA.

Hugs,
Mary

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Diana, thank you for the nice tribute to our Veterans and to those Veterans that have touched your life and ours. My Father was a Pearl Harbor Survivor and was my Hero. My brother Rick is a Vietnam Vet that has suffered with cancer brought on by Agent Orange and he also suffers from PTSD. He never complains and is proud to be a Vietnam Vet. Also, other Uncles that served in the Korean War and WWII, some who were POW's. My husband is a Veteran and he spent his day today fund raising for our disabled Vets via the poppie sales. He told me that he was amazed out the outpour of generosity shown to them today. Thanks to all our Veterans both past and present. Thank you for your service! And thank you Diana for working with our Vets and showing them the kindness and respect they deserve.

This N That said...

Wonderful post !!

Donna said...

Beautiful post, Diana. I'm sure the vets you interact with appreciate what you do for them. We all appreciate what they have done for us.

krishna said...

A beautiful post.... wonderful tribute ..

Unknown said...

The most beautiful piece ever written. TY <3

Nonnie said...

Perfect!

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

I love your tribute to those brave men. I do not know anyone personally that has gone through a war. How fortunate the VA is to have your crazy self there every Tuesday!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Such a beautiful tribute to the people in your life Diana that have served, with great cost! So much sacrifice, both on the field and at home afterwards. So thankful today for those who served. My husband served in the Navy, and while not during war, I am still thankful for his willingness to serve his country. We are so blessed today, and I appreciate the thoughtful tribute you shared!

Rose L said...

Touching

KrippledWarrior said...

Thank you for saying thank you. You have no idea how much that simple gesture means to the men and women who sacrifice their lives for America’s freedom

KrippledWarrior said...

Regardless of who declared a war, it does not diminish the efforts and the gallantry of those who fought for your privilege and freedom. A simple thank you isn’t that hard for you, is it?

Debby Ray said...

I do not always think about those who fought and currently are fighting for our country, I am ashamed to say...just like some other things that I unintentionally take for granted. Thank you for such a beautiful reminder and tribute for all veterans, Dianna.

Busy Bee Suz said...

A beautiful tribute to the best of the best; those who give so much for the rest of us. May Heaven have a nice spot for them all one day.

Nancy's Notes said...

Diana, your words are profound! Thank you for this truly wonderful and wonderful blessing. Our Veterans are beyond special, aren’t they!
Blessings, my friend.
Nancy

Kim said...

Very well said, Diana. My dad was a WWII veteran. He never spoke about it either. I am always grateful to our vets and current military members. And their families.

Launna said...

I have such gratitude for all the men and woman that give their time and lives to protect our country and keep us free... I seriously have so much respect for people that thing of others over themselves... they are petty amazing xox

Carla from The River said...

Well said my friend! My dear friend Marv served in Korea, he shares a little at a time. He saw and was in awful jams. How very strong they are to fight for freedom, sometimes for people that do not even care.
Sending prayers,
Carla