Thanksgiving for Soldiers - And The Unsung Heroes
Thursday we celebrate Thanksgiving. It is a day of over indulgence in food and football - two of America’s favorite pastimes.
Traditionally, many gatherings include a round-robin of “What are you Thankful FOR?”
Why not start with, “I am thankful to be free”?
Today be thankful for the all the members of our armed forces, whether deployed or at home. Their service and sacrifice allow us to enjoy this day.
Freedom is not free.
It is the soldiers sacrificing their freedom (and their lives) that preserve our freedom.
That is a ‘nice’ sentiment - being thankful to service members for their sacrifice to this country… [Veteran’s Day is a holiday to thank those that have served - not those that are serving - they do not have a holiday.]
Soldiers have it rough, especially those deployed around the world (not just Iraq and Afghanistan).
However, the toughest job in the military is spouse.
The families are the real unsung heroes.
While their service member is on deployment - they fight their own battles, daily. Not only is there the constant wondering about their loved ones, life goes on.
Someone still has to pay the bills.
Someone still has to balance the budget.
Someone still has to mow the yard and take out the trash.
Someone still has to get the kids off to school and back home safely.
Someone still has to answer the kids question about his or her absent parent.
Someone still has to do upkeep on the car.
On and on with all the ‘divided’ chores and responsibilities still being done.
The military spouse has suddenly, with little notice become a one parent family. Even the spouses without children have to take on additional work loads, simply because they are alone.
So while we gather with friends and families to enjoy the day - remember the families of the service members that set an empty place for a loved one far away…
And remember the families that set an empty place at their table for a loved who will never sit there again.
Be thankful for them and their loved ones far away - without them, this would be just another day - without freedom.
Traditionally, many gatherings include a round-robin of “What are you Thankful FOR?”
Why not start with, “I am thankful to be free”?
Today be thankful for the all the members of our armed forces, whether deployed or at home. Their service and sacrifice allow us to enjoy this day.
Freedom is not free.
It is the soldiers sacrificing their freedom (and their lives) that preserve our freedom.
That is a ‘nice’ sentiment - being thankful to service members for their sacrifice to this country… [Veteran’s Day is a holiday to thank those that have served - not those that are serving - they do not have a holiday.]
Soldiers have it rough, especially those deployed around the world (not just Iraq and Afghanistan).
However, the toughest job in the military is spouse.
The families are the real unsung heroes.
While their service member is on deployment - they fight their own battles, daily. Not only is there the constant wondering about their loved ones, life goes on.
Someone still has to pay the bills.
Someone still has to balance the budget.
Someone still has to mow the yard and take out the trash.
Someone still has to get the kids off to school and back home safely.
Someone still has to answer the kids question about his or her absent parent.
Someone still has to do upkeep on the car.
On and on with all the ‘divided’ chores and responsibilities still being done.
The military spouse has suddenly, with little notice become a one parent family. Even the spouses without children have to take on additional work loads, simply because they are alone.
So while we gather with friends and families to enjoy the day - remember the families of the service members that set an empty place for a loved one far away…
And remember the families that set an empty place at their table for a loved who will never sit there again.
Be thankful for them and their loved ones far away - without them, this would be just another day - without freedom.
January 2006 the article “Maligned Military” we were reminded that soldiers do not send themselves into harm’s way. Politicians do that. If one is concerned about Iraq, one is encouraged to contact their congressional representative in the House and Senate and take it up with them.
This is about service members and their families - Active, Reserve, National Guard - from all branches not politics.
posted by Unchained Slave at 12:55 PM
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