That’s my dad on the right. He was a Marine in World War II. This must have been a picture of him on a break, hanging out with his friends. It’s good to see the smiles. I wish I could ask him about the picture and more about the war. He’s gone now but he never really talked about it. I know it wasn’t easy.
I’ve always been proud of my dad for so many reasons and his being a Marine and a Veteran always made me feel extra proud. To me, it meant he was brave and strong and disciplined and honorable.
I’m thankful to all the U.S. Veterans today and everyday.
Here’s what I want to say to them.
Thank you for fighting for my freedom. Thank you for sacrificing and sweating and missing home and saying good-bye to your family and being brave. Thank you for putting yourself in danger so I can live in comfort. It’s incredible what you’ve done. Thank you for knowing there is something bigger than you and me and us and it is worth defending.
Thank you to your families too – the wives and kids and parents and siblings who send you off not knowing if you will come back. Thank you to them for sending you letters and love and prayers. Thank you to them for welcoming you home with signs and letters and love and prayers and hugs. Thank you to the military communities that support veterans when they come home and support their families when they are in waiting.
Thank you for your tough skins and your soft hearts.
I pray that we remember your soft hearts.
I pray that we can provide a safe place for you to come home to.
I pray that you will never feel alone.
We are grateful.
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mission.aspx
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