Sacrifice is a Four Letter Word: Giving Thanks to the Veterans in Our Lives

November is the month that reminds us of gratitude.  We give thanks for our country, and the two men in our lives who love their country.

Veteran's Day

Joining the military isn't easy.  The hours are long, the conditions aren't favorable, and the sacrifice to leave everything behind is real.  Men and women join the ranks of those that came before them because they believe in something greater than themselves.  They believe in America, its values, and the freedoms granted to us from those who fought before them.

They give everything for the love of country.  You may not know their names, their families, or their lives.  You may not know why they chose to join.  You may sit in circles and debate the actions and decisions far outside anyone's control.  Yet, they join.  They give everything.  Some come home.  And others give the ultimate sacrifice.

In Washington D.C sits the Vietnam Memorial Wall.  A path along 2-acres will take you across the backside of hill, in which the granite wall was placed.  As you walk along, you'll begin to see the names engraved on this wall.  Names of those who gave everything for their country and were not able to return home. 

Both of our father's fought in Vietnam.  Veteran's day hold significant meaning for us.  Not only are we grateful for our country as we travel and learn about the world, we are grateful to the men who raised us.  They taught us the value of sacrifice through their own lives. 

​They taught us love.   And not the love that comes from movies or idolization.  Sacrificial love.  Love that comes from loss and frustration.  Love that comes from wanting better for your families.  Love that comes with hard work and being grateful everyday for the life you have because of those that lost theirs.  Love that means never taking a day for granted, our country for granted, our work for granted, or our ability to live our lives in a way that changes the world for the better.  

This Veteran's Day, live your life in some small way that honors the sacrifices taken by others because they gave everything through love of country.  They don't know you, you don't know them.  But honor their lives, memories, and gift by giving forward today.  Give up your time to reach out to someone, even if just for a few minutes.  Open a door for someone because you see them.  Do something to make America a better place today, so that those who served know that the America of tomorrow will be worth their love.

Thank you to our fathers.  We love you.  We are grateful for you.  And we thank you for teaching us so that we may teach others.
*Picture credits go to MC's dad from his trip to Washington D.C this fall.  THANK YOU!

Flag

If you don't have an American Flag, please consider owning one.  It is the symbol the represents the love of our country and those who fight for it.