As we begin the Independence Day weekend and festivities, please remember to thank both those those who have served or continue to serve in our military. Remember the many sacrifices made by those who serve in our military and by their families to help preserve what we are celebrating this weekend--our independence and our freedoms! Without these selfless heroes throughout our history, we might not be celebrating an Independence Day this weekend. We tend to refer to this holiday as July 4th, but let's not forget it "started life" as Independence Day and that what we are celebrating is not July 4th, but our indepence!
4 ways to thank our military and veterans for their service on Independence Day:
- Set aside some time during in the next several days to thank our heroes. You can say thank you in person, over the phone, in a card, a text, an email. It's the thanks that matters, not the method.
- Since many veterans and active servicemen and women march in local parades, reach out to them after the parade and thank them for their service.
- Don't forget about our hospitalized heroes and elderly veterans in nursing homes. Send them a card, a gift, or stop by for a visit.
- Invite a veteran or active service person to your own JIndependence Day celebrations. Many would spend the day alone, otherwise.
10 ways you can show appreciation for our heroes all year long (because they truly deserve to be remembered and honored every day, not just on Independence Day or on Veteran's Day or Memorial Day):
1. E-mail a veteran a note of thanks.
2. Visit a veteran--at home, in a rehab center, in a hospital, in a nursing home.
3. Call just to thank them.
4. Grant a wish. WeAreHere.org works to help make dreams come true for military families. And Dreams For Veterans serves our military communities by giving back to terminally ill veterans and their families by the granting of a final dream.
5. Send a card to a hero you know. If you live in a small town, often the local newspaper will print the servicemen's and women's addresses.
6. Send a care package to a serviceman or woman. Operation Gratitude will help you do this. Or even adopt a service person. Find out how at Adopt A US Soldier.
7. Offer a discount at your business or company to veterans with a military ID or veterans card.
8. Send/deliver a gift (candy, gift cards, a meal) to a veteran. Pay for a veteran's or soldier's meal in a restaurant.
9. Reach out to military families and ask them to tell you how you can help.
10. Plan a welcome home party for a hero in your neighborhood when they come home.
Our thanks to you for all you do
Defending our flag
the red, white and blue
As Americans,
we know what freedom means
The joy, the peace and
the right to dream
Freedom we love but it is not free
The sacrifice is great and
you give willingly
Our thoughts and prayers
are with you today
As you fight for freedom so far away
May God keep you safe
in all that you do
And bring you back home
to those who love you
... Author Unknown
Image courtesy of nirots at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
This Independence Day, remember to thank those brave American heroes who selflessly serve and protect our country and our freedoms.
yes that is SO true. I will be 71 in August but don't feel any older than 60.... for now that is!
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