Today is Thursday, November 11th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1944
Today is Veterans Day; it is a good day to remember how richly God has blessed America over more than 200 years of our existence, and He has used brave men and women to accomplish a portion of that blessing.
We are a 'military' family. Since my mom was one of fifteen children, she had eight brothers and brothers-in-law who served in World War II (including my dad serving in the Army with a portion of his time in the European front); my husband Jim served in the early 60s in Panama; my brother-in-law Keith served later in the 60s in Germany; and his son Kent, my nephew, served in Iraq, waiting in Kuwait for President George W. Bush to give the word 'go before 'going in''.
And I understand my heritage goes back farther to other wars in American history.
To appreciate my famly's handful of men, plus millions of men and women who have served the United States of America so bravely and honorable, we need to say, 'thank you' by some sort of actions today.
How could we do that?
Jim and I are going to eat breatkfast this morning at our local care center. They are inviting veterans to come and eat free with them; non-veterans pay a nominal fee. Later in the morning, I plan to go to our neighboring town for a short Veterans Day celebration put on by the school.
What other ideas could be on our possible 'to do' list to celebrate?
* fly our American flag;
* write a letter to serving soldier;
* or a note to a veteran thanking him/her for their past service;
* how about a note or a call to a family member (moms?) who are concerned about their serving loved one;
* plunk an American flag pin on your lapel on your way to work;
* wear something that is red/white/blue or something that has a flag stamped on it;
* make a contribution to the USO, an upcoming Honor Flight in your community, or some other military support organization;
* or you make the call.....
So how did Veterans Day come to be?
Here is a shortened version from something I found in a computer search:
"Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead.
"Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free.
"In America, November 11th officially became known as Armistice Day through an act of Congress in 1926. It wasn't until 12 years later, through a similar act that Armistice Day became a national holiday.
"In 1947, Raymond Weeks of Birmingham Alabama, organized a 'Veterans Day' parade on November 11th to honor all of American's veteran for their loyal and dedicated service in World War II (400,000 American soldiers died in WWII). Shortly thereafter, Kansas Congressman Edward H. Rees introduced legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans who have served the United States in all wars.
"In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. "
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your gift of love and protection which You have provided for America in the past 200-plus years of our history. Thank You for men and women who have served us in the military, and who continue to serve us today - both here and in foreign lands. Protect them; guide them; and bring them safely back to us and to their families. We acknowledge them, and You; not only today but every day. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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