As we approach Veteran’s Day on November 11th, it's our privilege and duty to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation. Most of us have friends and family members who have served our nation in the armed forces and know what a hardship it sometimes is for those they hold dear. Veterans Day is not just a date on the calendar; it's a reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made by our veterans to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear.
How can we show our gratitude? Here are some ideas:
- Express our thanks: Take a moment to personally thank any veterans you know. Your heartfelt appreciation means the world to them. If you are reading this and are a veteran yourself, Thank you for your service, and I mean that with all my heart.
- Attend a Veteran's Day ceremony in Carmel CA or Pacific Grove, CA.
- Support veteran’s causes. We have the Veteran’s Transition Center here locally in Marina. Your contributions can make a significant difference in their lives.
- Take the time to listen to their stories. Their insights and perspectives can be enlightening and inspiring. Growing up I heard stories about World War II from my uncles; one who drove a tank through Europe and Africa and the other who served on a battle ship in the Pacific arena. Fascinating stories of what it was like to be in battle. Personally, long ago I was a Pan Am flight attendant flying soldiers to and from Viet Nam while they escaped the battles briefly on R&R. Amazing and brave men and women - an experience I will never forget.
- Purchase a wreath (s) to be laid on our veteran’s graves at the California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery December 13th. Colonial Dames, a service organization I belong to, is raising funds to purchase wreaths through Wreaths Across America (a national non-profit organization) so every grave in our local veteran’s cemetery will have a wreath for the holidays. Please help us with this endeavor by going to this web site below and purchasing a wreath. It will be laid on a veteran’s grave at our local Veteran’s Cemetery 12/13 after a brief ceremony. The public is invited and I’d love to see you there! Wreaths must be purchased before Thanksgiving to be included locally. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CA0821P
To our friends and colleagues who are veterans, we extend our deepest gratitude for your service and sacrifice. Your dedication to our country and your exemplary values continue to inspire us daily.
As we observe Veterans Day, let's reaffirm our commitment to a culture of respect, gratitude, and support for our veterans. Together, we can ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
