Thank You, Veterans (and Hard Truths)

While our nation is on the cusp of change, today I wanted to take a few minutes to thank our veterans for their service to our country.

I salute you!

I appreciate your time.

Your service.

Your sacrifice.

Your loyalty to a nation whose freedoms we often taken for granted.

As history rewrites itself, above all, we must remember those who’ve paved the way and made our path easier. Safer. Brighter.

Too often, we’re quick to judge and slow to empathize—to place ourselves in your shoes and envision the endurance it took to walk your road.

Shame on us.

Shame on our apathy and lack of gratitude.

Shame on our silence when we should speak.

Shame on our ineptness when we fail to remember.

And shame, shame, shame on those who, in their self-absorbed haze, defile our American flag—the very flag that encompasses all we hold dear.

The flag, you—dear veteran—served under.

The flag that bears the weight of the wounded and the brunt of the fallen.

How it must grieve your hearts to witness its desecration!

Today, on your day, let us redirect our efforts and attention to the things that really matter—the freedoms we have because of choices you made.

Let us choose love over hate.

Thankful hearts and not selfish gain.

Hope-filled words, not harmful intent.

Let us be mindful of tough battles fought—those in the past and those in the present.

Let us remember the brave men and women who did their best, despite the worst.

And let us call out those who hinder instead of help—the ones who hide behind their cloaks of misplaced decency in the name of honor.

You see, we know the true heroes.

The ones who’ve fought real wars, rather than contrived grievances.

Again, I say thank you.

Thank you, veterans, for choosing the harder path so we didn’t have to.

You have my deepest respect.

***

PLEASE SHARE

Know a veteran? Please share this post.

(Click-to-Tweet)

Hard things aren’t easy to say. Maybe you need to hear this.

(Click-to-Tweet)

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS YOU MAY ENJOY

The Day After the 2016 Presidential Election

Win or lose, life goes on after the election. Why we shouldn’t sweat it.

10 Characteristics of a Joy-Bearer

10 unique traits happy people have in common

Original Image Credit: DWilliams/Pixabay

***

This week I joined the lovely Jennifer Hallmark for 3 Questions Wednesday. Pop over and leave a comment for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!

See you next week ~

Much Love and Many Blessings,