Thank you.

Every day, not just on Veterans Day, we are profoundly grateful to our American soldiers for the freedoms we enjoy.

Thank you, all of you.

Memorial Day 2011

Memorial Day

As the flowers rest on the decorated graves and the sunlight shines on the beautiful sailboats, Uncle Sam whispers in my ear about how we should care for the soldiers and remember the ones that have died. 

Swimming pools open, BBQs fry. Today is the day to think of what they have done for us. 

There are blurs of red, white and blue marching down the street and flags are lowered at half-mast. 

But we should always remember and never forget what set us free, from this very day on.

© 2001 Ali M., 3rd Grader, Academy Elementary School, Madison, Connecticut.

Veterans Day 2009

Margie: This Veterans Day has given me a new thought about our veterans. I watched the Fort Hood Memorial yesterday and realized how the life of one veteran affects so many others. I guess I just hadn't looked at it in quite that way before.

I saw the spouses who have to go it alone now, the parents who have suffered the loss of a child, the children who will miss growing up with one parent, and all the brothers, sisters, grandparents, cousins, and friends who mourn.

I mourn with all of you and I am grateful for all those who serve our country now, then, and in the years to come.

Edna: Margie, you're so right. I'd also like to add my words of thanks and support to all our veterans and their families.

We found a lovely poem that we'd like to share with all of our readers today. The words of this poet so closely mirror our own feelings. Please read it and think of the veterans you know, and those you don't know, who put themselves in harm's way for all of us.

Remember
by Brittany Vigoreaux

American soldiers sacrifice so much,
All for the freedom of our country.
Leaving their families and heading off to war,
Not knowing what the future holds.

Working day and night
Determined to stay strong.
Watching friends be killed every day
Letters from home inspiring them to keep fighting

So little is given to them
Although there is little to do,
For those who have died in war
We can still remember

Remember all the men who have died.
Remember all the battles fought
Remember all the tears families cried
Remember it was freedom the soldiers brought

To this very day soldiers are under-appreciated
Veterans Day is the day
For the dead, living, and fighting soldiers
To be remembered

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you'd like to find out more about contributing to nonprofit organizations that support United States Veterans, please go to the Bloggers Unite Veterans Day: Who Will Stand website for a list of links to various organizations.

As a special thanks to our American Veterans, there are free food offers for soldiers at both Applebee's and Outback Steakhouse restaurants today. Applebee's is offering a free meal to all Veterans and Active Duty Military, just show proof of military service. Outback Steakhouse is offering a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage to all Veterans and Active Duty Military, also with proof of military service.

Hug A GI Day

Margie: Edna, I have some volunteer work to do today so I'm heading to town. I don't know what time I might get back so why don't you ShamWow some of the dusty furniture? After you do that why don't you get on your broom and sweep the kitchen?

Don't try to cook anything because we don't need the house to burn down. Just eat some bread or crackers. I'll be eating out tonight.

Edna: First of all, you obviously haven't been paying attention to the infomercial or you'd know the ShamWow is only for wet spills, not for dusting. Honestly, you never listen!

Secondly, just what kind of volunteer work requires you to eat out at night? I'm mighty suspicious, sister.

Margie: I'm going to the VFW. Today is Hug A GI Day. I'm going to do my patriotic duty and hug all the GI's I can find.

You know, Edna, that I believe our GI's deserve a hug from a nice lady like me. I'll brighten their day.

Edna: I know you're waiting for me to call you a hussy for wanting to go hug men all day, but this is a holiday I can support! The only thing that annoys me is that you wanted to leave me behind. Are you worried the GI's will like me better because I'm the younger sister?

Margie: Edna, I am simply trying to spare you the embarrassment of having the gentlemen decline to kiss those prune lips.

Be a good girl and go wash your hair.

Edna: You are a selfish floozy, and don't you think I'll forget that you wanted to cut me out of the action! Fine, be that way. I hope you catch a communicable disease from one of those soldier boys.

Margie: Shame on you, Edna. Sounds like you're the floozy since you're looking for "action" and I just want to thank our soldiers. Tsk, tsk.