Today is Memorial Day here in the United States.
A day to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and safety.
What can you do today?
By all means, please enjoy a BBQ, the sun on your face and a cold drink in your hand. Laugh and goof around with family and friends. Stand in the yard and look up at the sky and revel in the fact that you can do all of these things without fear.
And then, then you can say thank you.
How?
It’s simple, really.
Don’t know a veteran? Local Military hospitals and Veterans Homes would be happy to have you volunteer. You can give your time or money. Don’t have a lot to give? That’s perfectly fine … you’d be surprised how far your monies can go.
When I became a citizen, I asked family and friends attending my celebration party not to bring gifts but instead buy raffle tickets benefiting our local Veterans Home. Together, we raised over $250 for the “fun” fund – this pays for birthday parties, bingo prizes, board games and such. I’ve never been prouder – or smiled harder – than I did walking into the V.A. home to present that check. The same group buys small items for resale in their gift shop: at Christmastime, residents can “shop” for family and friends far away. I pick items up throughout the year and bring them forward in the fall. Smiles all around. Volunteer opportunities can be found here http://www.volunteer.va.gov/.
Lastly, please remember the thousands of men and women still serving us every single day. Operation Gratitude aims to provide comfort items to troops overseas. I find Beanie Babies(R) at Garage sales and donate discounted candy; my elderly father-in-law crochets scarves and blankets. Together, we pool our donations and giggle as we mail in our contributions. You can find a variety of ways to help by visiting their website here http://www.operationgratitude.com/ .
All gave some, some gave all. To our military and their families, thank you.
Thank you so very much for your kind and generous support!
I’m proud to support the wonderful work your organization does 🙂 MJ
P.S. We “pinned” the link to this page on our {honor our veterans} Pinterest board: http://bit.ly/KnfYNL Thank you, again!
Fantastic! I hope it brings many volunteers and $$ your way 🙂 MJ
You have a beautiful and generous heart, MJ. Happy Memorial Day!
Hugs,
Kathy
It’s just the right thing to do. I’m lucky to be a dual citizen of 2 great countries 🙂 MJ
Perfect Memorial Day tribute – Giving! To the ones who have given us the gift of Freedom
Thank you for the reminder
God bless
Thank you, and thank you for reblogging. I hope this gives others the knowledge that you don’t have to be overwhelmed and think it has to be a huge effort – even a little bit can go a long ways. MJ
Reblogged this on SPTP2011 and commented:
Perfect Memorial Day Tribute to the Military Personal who have given us the Gift of Freedom
“All gave some, some gave all. To our military and their families, thank you.”
Amen, MJ.
My flags are a-flying in the yard and later, my red, white & blue solar lights will turn on :).
“To whom much is given, much is expected.” And I’ve been given so much.
MJ
As usual, you are thinking of others and putting a smile on someone else’s face. I know they appreciate all that you do, as does the the VFW who sponsors the poppies in my area. Bravo and enjoy your day!
I love those little old guys selling the poppies and buttons out front of the grocery store. They always appreciate a kind word and a soft hello. I’m sure they grin when they see you, Renee!
Happy Memorial Day to you .. MJ
What a perfect message for today. Love how you are proudly standing up and defending the spirit of our Armed Forces with your generosity. ( I am paraphrasing Lee Greenwood a bit.)
I think a United Giggle is very appropriate as it benefits Operation Gratitude. From the comments above they are most grateful.
Well done.
Thank you, Georgette. “You’ve gotta stand for something or you’ll fall for anything” – another ole country song. 🙂 MJ
Thanks for the links, MJ. I’d love to be part of this great work.
Great! Thank you for that, Patti. MJ
You’re amazing, MJ 🙂
nah .. MJ
Great post, my friend.
Thank you Coop. MJ
Happy Memorial Day MJ 🙂
Same to ya! MJ
Outdid yourself, girl. America is lucky to have you.
I’m the lucky one 😉 MJ
What a nice post, MJ. I thought of you as I read a post from another Canadian woman who became a citizen this week. Here’s the link if you want to take a look. http://incaseimgone.com/2012/05/28/yankee-doodle-dandy/
Also–your father-in-law crochets?!? That is so COOL. 🙂
Thank you! I will definitely read it 🙂
Yes .. my FIL crochets. He makes beautiful afghans and baby blankets. He learned as a boy b/c he was sick with Whooping Cough and his (ingenious) Mother thought to teach him that as a way to keep him occupied. MJ
Great post, MJ, great ideas. I’m sorry that I didn’t get to it yesterday. But then I decided it’s ok — every day is a day we can appreciate folks who served. Not just one day.
Absolutely, Elyse – every day. 🙂 MJ
Fantastic post and one that many don’t think about often enough. Really appreciate you bringing this up.
mj
Thank you, MJ. Glad to have you back over for a visit :). MJ
Great post. Thanking my brother, who serves, and his wife, who supports him. Thanking my father and uncles who served and my husband and his father, who served. Just wish the climate of the country had been even half this supportive to my husband when he came home from Vietnam in 1975, only to have people spit at him- and he was in the Navy on ship.
Thank you; Yes don’t we all wish that everyone who ever went to war came home to a grateful nation?
MJ
MJ, your patriotism always shines through! With my son being a former soldier, and my daughter-in-law still in the army, I am acutely aware of the issues impacting the service men and women of this country. Thanks for your suggestions, and for your support of the men and women who give so much! ~ Sheila
Happy to do it, Sheila. 🙂 MJ
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