Hi friends,
Today is a special day. It’s the day our country sets aside to focus on our veterans—on those who served, sacrificed, and fought for freedom. I feel so blessed to come from a lineage of veterans—starting with the Revolutionary War that freed and formed our country, War of 1812, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm.
I’m so proud of my husband’s service in the Navy. Tears filled my eyes as he was asked to raise the flag over Fort McHenry. The flag flies high above the fort in remembrance, not only of the men’s bravery and courage in holding the fort in the War of 1812, but also in tribute to Francis Scott Key’s penning our National Anthem after watching from a British ship where he was being held as the British fleet bombarded the fort. When the smoke cleared and the sun rose, that flag—our nation’s flag—still flew.
My husband and I are also privileged to know RAF Group Captain Peter “Willy” Hackett who flew side by side with Joint forces in Desert Storm, as well as Apache driver Lt. Col. Tanner Spry, US Army.
I thought a wonderful way to remember and thank our country’s servicemen and women would be to share several veteran-owned and operated companies as well as non-profit organizations that support our veterans.
Nine Line Apparel:
We purchase a lot of their items as we love to show patriotism, and because it helps support the mission of the Nine Line Foundation, which is:
TO GREATLY IMPROVE AND ENCHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF SOME OF OUR NATIONS SEVERELY WOUNDED VETERANS
For more information on the foundation, visit their webpage here.
I also asked the wonderful Ronie Kendig which organizations she believes in and supports. I asked her because not only does she write awesome Rapid-Fire Fiction for Bethany House, but because her husband also served our country. Here’s the list she was kind enough to share with me:
- The American Valor Foundation is a Kyle Family Foundation dedicated to supporting our veterans, first responders and their families.
- Through Green Beans Coffee’s Cup of Joe for a Joe, you can buy a deployed Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Coast Guardsman their next cup of coffee and include a personal message!
- USO
- The US War Dogs Association supports over 1,000 retired working dogs (both military and civilian) by paying for prescriptions and medical costs. They paid for all of Ronie’s dog VVolt’s cancer treatment and scripts.
- The MWDTSA (Military Working Dog Team Support Association) supports active-duty handlers by providing gear and toys for the MWDs.
- Soldiers’ Angels provides aid, comfort, and resources to the military, veterans, and their families.
- The Battle Buddy Foundation provides “highly trained psychiatric and mobility service dogs to disabled veterans. All efforts are aimed at re-integrating veterans back into society.”
Reader Question: Do you have any family members who serve or have served in the military? Or what would be one, creative way to thank our servicemen and women?
Blessings,
Dani
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My Dad proudly served his country in the U. S. Army for 29 years. When he entered the service the Army still used horses in the infantry. He served during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Extremely proud of my Dad and was always very happy to tell everyone I was a proud Army brat. Miss my Dad every day and as often as I can, I make sure to acknowledge a service person if I see them wearing a hat, shirt or know of their service.
That’s an amazing legacy. Thanks so much for sharing!
My dad served in the Navy during WWII. Please tell your husband for me: thank you for your service.
Another Navy man. I can’t imagine being in that war–any war for that matter. I absolutely will. Thanks so much for dropping by, Lynn.
My dad served as a Marine in Korea. Every year I hang a flag on the front of my home in his and other veteran’s honor.
Thank you, Dani, for not allowing this day to get ‘lost’ among all the chaos that’s currently going on in our country.
I think that is a wonderful way to his and other veteran’s honor! We have flag too.
Thank you, veterans, for serving our country! Yes, our son served in the Army and Iraq. Longest year of my life!
Wow. I can’t imagine having your child (now adult) serving overseas. I bet that was the longest year!
I love this post so much, Dani! Thanks for all the great suggestions of organizations we can support.
Thanks so much, Becky! And, you’re welcome. Ronie kindly did most of the work. She’s the best.
My grandfather was a Pharmacist’s Mate in the Navy in World War II, and spent time serving at the hospital in Pearl Harbor (he enlisted after the attack).
I had six great-uncles who also served in World War II, including one who was wounded and later died at a military hospital in France. He was buried there initially, but his remains and those of others were returned about two years later. I have his Purple Heart and certificate, a letter, uniform patches, and photographs with his captions written on the back.
My father served in the Army during the Vietnam years, but stayed stateside. And I also had a great-great-great grandfather who was shot and wounded during the Battle of Bull Run in the Civil War (Union side).
So Veteran’s Day is extremely important to me–I want to thank all our veterans for their service and let them know they are loved and appreciated.
Wow. What a legacy!!!! My hubby was stationed at Pearl Harbor.
My great-great uncle served in Normandy and was also buried over there, but his family were able to bring his remains home and now he’s in the family cemetery.
My husband served in the Army. Also, two of my brothers served. Thanks to all veterans for your service.
Thanks so much to your husband and two brothers for their service!
My dad served in the Navy in WWII
My mom was a WAF
My husband served 25 years in the AF
I served 22 years in the AF