Grateful for Our Veterans and Our Country

Hi!! Happy Friday!!

PHEW. What a week! 

There has been A LOT of emotions, thoughts and opinions being shared over the last few days!

Today is Veteran's Day and with everything that has been going on, I don't think it could be more fitting that we end this week by honoring and celebrating our Veterans.

This presidential election process has really seemed to create a gaping divide in our country. And while it has made me absolutely sick to my stomach to see people spew such hateful and disrespectful comments at one another....we live in a country where that is a CONSTITUTIONAL right. And we have that right only because of the brave and selfless men and women who have been or are currently serving in our Armed Forces.

Whether or not you support our new President-Elect or how you feel about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or any political issue for that matter- 

here is one thing that CANNOT be argued:

This country is NOTHING without the men and women who have CHOSEN to serve our country in the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Army.

EVERY freedom that we have and truly take for granted, if we're being honest, is because of our EXCEPTIONAL and COURAGEOUS military. 

I think we can all get so caught up in our lives and make the biggest deal out of the smallest things.  

When you're feeling stressed because your husband has to go out of town for a few days on business- think about what it's like to be a military spouse- whose husband or wife is gone for ONE YEAR in a WAR ZONE. 

Or you are feeling frustrated because you had to wait at the doctor for longer than you like- think about families that have been waiting to see their loved one for MONTHS and they find out they have to wait a couple more months...because the mission their on has been extended.

I know these might seem like extreme examples- but this is REAL life for our military families...and I feel so strongly about people being aware of the immense sacrifices made on our BEHALF.

Maybe you are wondering how you could support our Veterans and their families. 
There are so many organizations that help support our Veteran's- just a few of them are:

The Wounded Warrior Project
The USO

The Independence Fund
The Fisher House Foundation

The Veterans of Foreign Wars- VFW
Homes for Our Troops

Operation Gratitude

If you are so inclined, I encourage you to take just a little bit of time today to say a prayer for our Veterans AND their family members or better yet- if you see someone in uniform today- approach them and THANK them. 

With respect, honor and gratitude- 

I say THANK YOU to our Veteran's today.

Hope you have the BEST day!

I am linking up with Andrea and Erika for their Friday Favorites Link Up!

 I am also linking up with April for Five on Friday!

 Joining Karli for her, Oh Hey Friday Link Up! too!

And lastly, linking up with Katie, Tif, Della & Caitlin for High Five for Friday!