This series of posts on facebook (which somehow deleted one of them) is what inspired me to create this blog and facebook page to see where I could take this. Day 3 is missing and I wont try to re-create it. It concerned World War II veterans.
One of my favorite holidays is coming up and I shall participate by being thankful every day up to the actual day. So, for day one (I'm a day behind, so you get two today). I am thankful for all of the brave men who, against all odds, stood up to a tyrant king and fought for their independence. Not only for theirs, but for all of their fellow countrymen of the time. All of us have benefited from their desire to be a free people and should never forget those long dead who stood up then for us now. Thank you to all of those who fought for our independence in the Revolutionary War.
Day 2: Thank you to all of our veterans, past and present who served as POW's. The circumstances you endured during your service to our country were in most cases, abhorrent. To say thank you, seems so much less than the sentiment that I truly wish to impart to you. I cannot imagine the hell that you were put through. You deserve to be honored so much more than you are. Thank you American POW's.
Day 4: I'm thankful for the veterans who fought in the Korean War. It is often called the forgotten war. We cannot let those who fought there ever feel forgotten. A nation who forgets those who fought for it will soon herself be forgotten. These vets fought in some of the most harsh conditions of any war we've fought. a very large percentage lost limbs, not from combat injuries, but from frostbite. Most of these folks are now in their 70's. I'm so very thankful every time I get to meet one of them. They are not to be forgotten in my lifetime!
Day 5: I am thankful for the veteran's that served during peacetime. War is hell, for sure, but serving during peacetime is no less important. In fact, one of the reasons we have had periods of peace is because of our superior, well prepared military. The vets that have served in occupied places around the world were there to KEEP peacetime a reality. They were just one chaotic, lunatic inspired situation from being involved in conflict, every day of their service. That cannot be an easy reality. So to all of you, I say thank you!
Day 6: Vietnam Veterans. I have so much respect for these guys. They were treated like garbage after returning home from a true nightmare. Shunned by the country that they fought so hard for. Made to feel less than human by so many who shouted and spit at them. They deserve to be honored. They deserve to be lifted up into the annals of American History as some of the most revered heroes we ever sent to war. At the very least, they deserve to be thanked and acknowledged for what they did and endured. Thank you sir. Thank you...
Day 7: I'm thankful for vets who are in the business of helping other vets. Chris Kyle comes to mind. His mission was helping vets who were suffering and having a hard time adjusting back to civilian life. Organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project who help vets in need. Vets who volunteer at hospitals and rehab facilities, helping wounded soldiers get back to as normal a life as they can. Vets like numerous motorcycle clubs that do all kinds of charity events to help those in need, fallen brothers and their families. Veterans like these and countless other groups and individuals have made it part of their lives to be there for other vets in need. They are absolutely priceless. Thank you to all who continue to serve in this manner.
Day 8: There have been 3463 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. If you read the citations of these heroes, you'll find they come from every branch of service, from many different ranks, different nationalities, served in many different conflicts and were probably different in many other ways. One similarity you will find in all of them is that they put their lives on the line for their fellow soldiers. Many of them died in doing so. They found themselves in a situation where they could have very easily just panicked and did nothing. But they didn't. They moved forward and took charge, doing what they felt they had to do. To them, I would imagine if you could ask them, they had no choice. The choice was to act, at that moment, in a way that went well beyond what an otherwise normal person might do. These heroes did some amazing things and saved many, many lives in the process. For these veterans, 78 which are still living, I am very thankful. I would imagine that there have been many, many others who directly benefited from their actions, who are incredibly thankful and say they owe their lives to these men(and one woman). Thank you for doing what you would say was "just your job". You are truly great American heroes.
Day 9: I am thankful for the veterans that have been fighting the war on terror for the last number of years. I think these folks have faced an enemy unlike any we've ever encountered. As a result of some of the tactics they've faced, some have been damaged in ways we never really thought about. The psychological impact has been devastating to many. I can't imagine the hell they've been through. I have read several books from vets on this subject and the impact is not figurative, in the least, it is very real and widespread. That vets that have had to deal with this and other unnecessary negative consequences is tragic in many ways. I cannot thank them enough for what they have done and dealt with and continue to deal with.
Day 10: I am thankful for all of you that I know personally that have served in the United States Armed Forces. If I try to name all of you, I would undoubtedly forget someone. From those of you I went to school with, to those I have known since childhood, to those I have worked with, to those of you I have gone to church with, to those all of you whom I call friend, thank you! Thank you for giving part of your life to the service of our country. Thank you for doing your part to try and keep me free to say all the things I say. Thank you for making me proud to be able to call you my friends! I love you all.
Day 11: I have mentioned in the last 10 days, countless veterans. I appreciate them all and what they have done for our country. I'd like to add one more on this final day of my thanking, my father. Without a doubt the veteran that means the most to me. I love you Dad.
