Because We Care

I found it interesting that we were able to talk to many Veterans today and thank them for their service...AND almost every Veteran said the same thing..."Why are you doing this?"  Our simple answer..."Because we care."

I think we are in a time when we find the "old" Veteran is now of the age who fought during the Vietnam era.  So sad to think that these men and women were ridiculed and demoralized to a point of (what seemed) no return.  AND...although it would seem that we can not go back in time...on this 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War...we can at least move forward by thanking these heroes who gave of themselves as they were asked...gave of their youth and some their lives and dreams in spite of what the nation thought of their service...they gave just like all other veterans have given over our long history as a nation.

It is that simple thanks that brought tears to many a strong soldier today.  It was a simple act of a child giving a small gift and saying thanks that brought tears to my own eyes.

I have said many times over the last few weeks...it was God sense that brought this about today.  As we were packing up our last of the house this week, I came upon a box of Christmas ornaments.  I purchased them a few years back to give to soldiers but it never happened.  I almost missed the opportunity in my haste to get the job done...I packed them in a bigger box.  Then...over the weekend I remembered them and hunted all the packed boxes until the ornaments were found!  YAY!!!!

 Then I talked to the boys about the ornaments and asked if they would be willing to give them out to the Veterans.  Of course, they said yes...although some were more shy than others!....Brendan being the most excited about it!  It was a great experience.  The biggest part of the experience was seeing how touched the Veterans were when we told them they were a special gift for just being Veterans...no strings attached...no cost....just a way for us to show we care!

This was after watching an amazing USO-type show performed by local talent and sponsored by the Huntington ISD...we go every year and it always is a great honor to attend.  I think every one would agree the best part was watching our very special USO talent (who actually performed with USO tours back in the day!)...David Gordon...and local homeschooler Timothy Dow perform together!  I wish I had been able to get it on video!  We were also deeply touched by the special tribute given to a dear friend who passed away this last year...Mr. Dan Stanberry.  He will always remain one of our favorite veterans!

After this event, we rushed over to see the ceremony at the VFW...we missed it by just a few minutes!  We were so upset!  But we were able to give out a few more ornaments to the veterans who remained.  We saw some of our favorite veterans from Michael's post...and remind them to stay in touch as we prepare to move.  Just as we were about to leave, one of the women came out with her hands full of balloons..."Wait!  Wait!  We forgot to release the balloons in honor of the Veterans!"  So we got to be a part of a special balloon release in honor of the Vietnam Veterans!  I guess it pays to be late sometimes!

An awesome day...the only thing that would have made it better is to have Michael with us!  He had to be at work in San Antonio but we talked to him...we will be back with him by the end of the week!