Veterans Day Edition and Happy Birthday Marines!!!

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude."---Cythia Ozik


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE U.S. MARINES!!! THANK YOU FOR SERVING THIS GREAT NATION FOR 236 YEARS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE AND SACRIFICE. THANK YOU FOR BEING MARINES!!! THANK YOU.

HOW CAN I HONOR VETERANS ON VETERANS DAY?



That question is often asked and raised during this time of year. Allow me to take a few minutes and offer a few suggestions:

•  If you know a veteran or happen to meet one, simply say, "Thank you for your service." And, by the way, thank them throughout the entire year too.
• If you have a friend who is a veteran, call him/her up and say thanks.
• That flag you've been thinking about flying for the past year?--- Well fly it on Veterans Day. And since you have it up (finally); keep it flying all year long.
• Attend a memorial service on Veterans Day. I guarantee you; it will make your day.
• Visit a cemetery and/or a veteran's cemetery and say a prayer for those who served. Warning: you might shed a few tears. That's okay, because many veterans shed a lot more blood.
• Visit national parks, memorials and cemeteries like Arlington, Gettysburg, USS Arizona, Vietnam Veteran Memorials, Fredericksburg or any other historic battlefield in your local area. Consume the history. You'll walk away feeling proud. You'll realize you just visited a holy place.
• If you live near a VA Medical Center, drop by and pay a visit and say hello. They'll love to see you.
• Watch a parade. Wave and cheer. Be happy. Be proud. Be thankful.
• If you're a veteran yourself, wear something that designates your veteran status. Show the public you're proud of having worn that uniform.
• If you know a family whose loved one is deployed, drop by and say hello. Hey, bring some of your great chocolate chip cookies too while you're at it.
• Visit some of our senior veterans and those who served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
• Make a donation to your favorite charity that honors veterans. You can find out which charities are legitimate by visiting CharityWatch.
• Go online and post a message. Check out the countless number of military/veteran and support groups on Facebook and leave a nice message of support.
• If you're an employer, consider your next hire a veteran.
• Ask a nearby school if you can tell a story about veterans to some of the students.
• Wear a poppy.
• Many retailers are honoring veterans.  Applebee's, Chili's, Subway, Hooters and others are offering free meals to veterans and active duty personnel. Some others are offering free meals on Sunday and Monday too (Golden Corral on Monday). Eat up!!!

"The willingness by which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their Nation."---George Washington