Thanks for sharing this, Pepi – what a fantastic tribute to our armed forces.

There are a few things that bring tears to my eyes but chief among them are special times with my family (especially the grandkids) and just about anything that honors our men and women in uniform. Like many here, I come from a proud family of military men. My father was a highly decorated WWII US Navy veteran who rarely spoke of his time in the service, but we knew he’d been deeply committed to serve his country. After his death, I found out just how much so as I went through his navy foot locker and read numerous citations and for the first time saw a collection of medals that included Bronze Stars and multiple Purple Hearts and campaign medals for both the Pacific and European theaters of operation.

As we celebrate the holidays, we need to not only love those around us that we hold close, but perhaps extend to those we don’t personally know who are upholding the values of this great nation by wearing a uniform that essentially says, “I’m committed to making your world a better, safer place.” I travel a bit and at almost every airport I pass through there are men and women in uniform. Without exception, they are proud yet humble and always grateful when I extend a hand and thank them for their service. On a recent trip I observed two young Air Force officers having coffee at a little café. I approached them and extended my hand, offering my thanks. The captain stood and shook my hand warmly and as I turned to shake the young major’s hand, she too began to stand at which time I observed a Purple Heart ribbon among her citations. I nearly lost it as I realized that could be my little girl and in fact, she is someone’s daughter and perhaps a wife and mother and has shed her blood in a combat situation – in the line of duty. Her handshake was firm and her eyes hard but her smile was beautiful and she thanked me in return and I have to say, the camaraderie was instantaneous and took me back forty plus years in an instant.

Yup – great post Pepi – but next time, warn us that Kleenex in in order.

Special thanks to our veterans at CHR and blessings to their folks who post here. Pray for their safety, thank them often and love them openly as they are truly our American Heroes.

Glenn