Veterans Day - Thank you to our Veterans & their loved ones

{Pictures from November 11, 2010 at the Veteran's Day Parade}

Being in the Miss Murray Royalty, I had the opportunity

of serving pancakes at IHOP for their

annual Children's Miracle Network fundraising.

I came across this man who was eating alone and so

I sat down to tell him about

Children's Miracle Network and the purpose behind it.

As we started talking I soon found out that this

man was a veteran.

He had served countless years and made so many sacrifices

as he was fighting for our freedoms.

He started to tell me of some experiences he had gone through

and my eyes filled with tears.

I told him "you are so brave, I can't imagine how hard that

must have been or the courage that it must

have taken to fight"

He just looked at me and said

"It was worth it for me and you to have freedom".

This man stood before me as happy as could be.

That moment has really stood out to me.

I want to find ways to thank Veteran's for the freedoms that I have.

I am so lucky and so thankful to live in America!

How can we value our freedoms more?

We don't always have the opportunity to come across a veteran and have

personal conversations with them but when we do it is such a glorious day and

an amazing opportunity to make a difference,

just by simply saying thank you!

I know many incredible, dear friends who have given 

so much for the every day freedoms of this country.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Words can't express my gratitude.

I don't just thank you this day, I thank you every single day.

Although this a day to honor you, it's vital you know how much

you're appreciated every single day of the year.

And thank you to the loved ones of these brave men and women,

thank you for the sacrifice you make so they can serve.

Thank you for your strength, your courage, your devotion, and your faith.

May you be blessed for the tears you've cried, the patience you've endured,

and the loneliness that must be at times so hard to bear.

I wonder if I would have the great strength that you so faithfully express.

Thank you!

Also watch this - A Veteran's Day Special from Music and the Spoken Word