Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Veterans Day 2009


Today is Veterans Day here in America; the day we annually honor military veterans.

In some, other, countries, Remembrance Day or Armistice Day is celebrated on November 11. Remembrance or Armistice Day is to specifically remember the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice).

Few things in life are free. I appreciate all our service men and women have, and continue to, sacrifice so that I can enjoy living in America and experiencing the freedoms we all have.

Both my father and mother were in what was called the Army Air Core in those days. My mother was only enlisted a few years, and my father had retired by the time I was born. Neither of my two older sisters, nor myself, have ever been in the military. Currently my oldest son Devon is technically in the Army; when he graduates in May 2010 he will be on active duty. My oldest son's fiance will also be on active duty in May 2010.

Devon has a favorite quote from John Stuart Mills that I think fits well on Veterans Day:

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."

Today I'm thinking about how grateful I am for all the men and women who have helped keep me free.

8 comments:

GCT said...

Others might be interested to note that some restaurants are giving away free food to Veterans and active duty military today.

Article

I believe Applebees, Krispy Kreme, Golden Coral, and Outback Steakhouse are on the list...

Andrea said...

Freedom is NEVER FREE!
I am remembering with you!

RCUBEs said...

Being the wife of a former navy, now in law enforcement, life was tough even for the families these precious military people leave behind. It is having that ill thought of not knowing if you'd ever see them back. May the Lord protect our troops and bless them all. I'm so grateful for the risks they do unselfishly to preserve our freedom. Reminds me...that was the same reason why Christ died for us....God bless you sister Tracy and praying for your son, especially when he becomes active duty. Tell him thank you and tell him, he did pick a perfect quote! Have a great day.

Denise said...

Beautiful tribute post sweetie.

Tracy said...

Hey GCT, thanks for passing that info on.

Rcube, wow you work in a prison and he's in law enforcement; sure glad you both have the joy of the Lord to keep you from becoming discouraged.

Tony C said...

Amen! May God bless our veterans and their families for the sacrifices they endure for our freedoms.

BeadedTail said...

Beautiful tribute! God bless our veterans!

Jenny said...

in my country, the veterans are not that given attention. Yes, they get a little veteran's retirement pay but it's still not enough..

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