Memorial Day

Thank you.

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

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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.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

"And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow,
I still have a dream."

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Veterans Day

Margie and Edna would like to pause a moment today to give thanks to all of our nation's veterans, past and present. This Veterans Day, please say a special word of thanks to all of those who have kept our country safe and our freedoms secure.

Image courtesy the North Carolina Museum of History