Thank You Veterans!

"Happy Veteran's Day!" the boys greeted me this morning.

"We have to call Aunt Cathy!"

"You're right we do," I said grabbing my phone.

"And Uncle Isaac, and Uncle Matt..."

"Yes, we will call them all right now and say Thank You," I assured them.

And then we did.

Uncle Matt in his uniform for Gabriel's Marine themed birthday party.

My sister-in-law and my niece saying their Goodbyes.

My brother, Isaac, served in the Navy; as did/does his wife, Cathy.  She is a Lieutenant and recently served 9 months, away from her husband and litttle girl, in Iraq.  My brother-in-law, Matthew, is an inactive Marine.  I can't even tell you how many times he's gone to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Lots and lots.  Then we have our parents, uncles, and grandparents who have served.  The boys come from a long line of heroes.  It's no wonder they are so enamored by anything a soldier/warrior does.

Their school puts on an amazing Veteran's Day program every year.  Many of the students also have Veterans in their family.  They all come and are honored and thanked by the students and staff.  It's awesome and there is never a dry eye in the house!

As the boys got ready this morning, Drew marched about the house while singing "It's a Grand Ol' Flag" at the top of his lungs.  Gabriel carefully donned his Boy Scout unifrom since he and his fellow scouts would be part of the flag ceremony in the program.

We are so blessed to be Americans.  With all her flaws our country is still a place where freedom reigns.  We are all so fortunate.  Fortunate to be born here.  Fortunate, that if you weren't born here, that you are here now.  Fortunate to be sharing freedom with one another. 

Thank you so much to all who have served.  Thank you to those who have stayed home while their loved one was far away taking care of us all.  Thank you to those who answer the call and I pray for the ones who make The Call that they do so sparingly, fearfully and wisely.