Shalee’s Diner

As I sat in my living room on my big comfy couch after only 4 hours of sleep, I kept complaining in my head that it wasn’t fair that I was awake when my body was so tired. Added to the whining were thoughts of things that I could be doing, but I was too lazy to do at the moment – laundry beckoned, dust flittered and even the checkbook breathed a loud sigh from being ignored.

And yet… as I perused facebook, I was suddenly reminded that today is Veteran’s Day – a day in which we celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of millions of men and women who fought, are still fighting and will fight in the future all for the sake of our pleasure.

Think about it.

• Your paycheck was earned on the back of an under supplied soldier who stood in the front line as the British soldiers volleyed their bullets in the Battle at Bunker Hills.

• As you enjoy the products from other countries, remember the soldiers who died for the right of Americans to have free trading rights with any and every country.

• As you travel to Grand Canyon, San Antonio or Disneyland for a respite from the daily grind, realize that your vacation spots were anything but to the soldiers who battled for the safety of those lands as attack after attack from our southern neighbors were launched throughout the Southwestern parts of States.

• Behind every single one your English words whispers the souls of men and women who shouted from the beaches of France that Hitler would not be the ruler supreme of the world.

• When you fill your tank with gas, remember those who rose to protect Saudi oil fields and to battle the bullying posturing of Hussein.

• When you’re voting for your candidate or griping about the stupidity of the president, say a silent prayer for those who recently waged war over the terrorist attacks of Hussein and then further fought for the people of Iraq to have the same democracy and the rights therein that we enjoy in America today.

When I remember what those people endured – the cold, the heat, food from a pouch or from the surrounding land, bullets, blood and deafening noises, I silenced my thoughts and thanked God for those who fought and died so that I could have an opportune life under a flag that flies for freedom.

Thank you veterans and active military service people for rendering your lives to work that may seem unappreciated. You by far deserve all that we can give to honor your efforts. You are true real-life heroes in our lives today.

Know a veteran? Give him/her a hug and a smile today.

Don’t know one? Here are a few ways to send support here and/or abroad.

Soldier Angels  (adopt a soldier, become a pen pal or send little bits of care for veterans)

Let’s Say Thanks  (send a card to a soldier via the internet)

Any Soldier  (send a package to a soldier who does not receive mail)

Pen Pals for Soldiers  (become a friend to someone serving overseas)

It really doesn’t take much to say thanks, especially to those who deserve it the most.  Why don’t you step outside of your comfort (zone) and thank a veteran today.  You’ll feel good that you did, and they’ll feel great at being remembered.