There are heroes that walk among us unrecognized. The ones who haven’t made their success widely known on social media platforms or on television specials. They pass us in the cereal aisle at the grocery store in jeans and drop their children off at school without fanfare or celebration.
They’re grandparents and great-grandparents. They’re aunts and uncles, moms and dads, sisters and brothers, and friends too. They coach Little League teams and volunteer their time. They wear business suits and sit quietly beside us on airplanes during work trips.
These are heroes who have freely given their time to serve and protect our country. Today, whether you’re celebrating Veteran’s Day or preparing to honor our veterans on Remembrance Day, let’s not forget to pause and say, “Thank you.”
Thank you to the men and women who served and returned.
Thank you to the men and women who served and gave their lives.
Thank you to the men and women who stayed home and supported families while their loved ones served — and still serve — around the country and abroad.
Thank you to my step-father, my grandfathers, my great-grandfathers, and my ancestors who protected our country as far back as the Civil War. I recognize today that I couldn’t do what I do, raise my family the way that I do, or enjoy the freedoms I have without your courage and service. My legacy is built upon the profound service of men and women who fought for our country. My ability to read these words freely, to share the Gospel online, to travel and speak and teach and lead and dream big dreams for my daughter — it’s all part of the legacy we share because of the brave service of our veterans.
Your stories matter, and your service is remembered today.
This year, as we sit around dinner tables and give thanks for the blessings in our lives, maybe we seek out those stories from the generations that join us at the table. As we prepare our hearts for a season of thanks-giving and gift-giving, may God give us eyes to see the gifts who gather in the small, quiet, everyday places of our lives so we can say, “Thank you.”
[linebreak]
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Crystal,
What a beautiful tribute to those who have served, those who are serving, and those who keep the home fires burning while their soldier is fighting for and protecting us. My dad served, and it’s on days like this that I so miss this man of integrity. Like so many who served, my dad went about his daily business and didn’t look for a hero’s crown. That image typifies so many who serve…unsung heroes. Pausing with you, today, to applaud and thank them and remember them…
Blessings,
Bev
Crystal says
Grateful for your dad’s service today, Bev. Thank you for sharing his story.
Lisa Appelo @True and Faithful says
Yes! I love scrolling through my news feed to see friends honoring their family who have served. Despite all the news, we have an incredible country made up of incredible people. Thanks Crystal!
Brenda says
Well said. Sometimes “thank you” doesn’t feel sufficient, (especially when I’m thanking God…thank you seems so small…) but oftentimes, I think it means the world to folks to be acknowledged. It’s brave to go; it’s brave to watch your sons and daughters go; it’s brave to watch your husbands and wives go. ~ Thankful for all the brave ones today.
Penny says
Crystal,
Thank-you for your post.
In honor of the many service men, women and animals past and present (my family and my husbands included) thank-you from the bottom of my heart. For those I did n’t thank when I could of I am deeply sorry. Although I felt gratitude I should of spoken those words directly to them.
Penny
Beth Williams says
Crystal.
Our church had a great service for Vets on Sunday. It was lead by a retired Marine! We learned a lot, but got to honor ALL the vets-living and dead–their wives and families. He talked about the sacrifice made not just by the vets but their loved ones as well. Back in WWII we didn’t have computers, skype, email, etc. A lot of people didn’t have phones either. They had to rely on letters from the soldiers to know how they were doing. So at this time I would love to say a great big THANK YOU to ALL Vets and their families! Everyone made a huge sacrifice for my freedoms!!
AMEN!! Blessings 🙂
Debbie Preuss says
HEROES
They were the heroes, those who’d fight
Through the longest, darkest night
To keep the freedom, in this land
They fought together, hand in hand
So many lives lost in the wars
Families crushed, to their very cores
Uncertainty loomed, would they come home?
Or would their families be left alone?
Mothers, Fathers, siblings too
Friends and spouses, gathered in the pew
To pray for those away at war
Anticipating their arrival, at the door
Many of them died in battle
Amid gunfire and tanks a-rattle
These heroes died to keep us free
They saw things, no man should see
Through the heat of day, or chill of night
These forces were ready to stand and fight
Many were wounded, despite their skill
Their aging bodies, remind them still
The men and women of the armed forces
Are heroes that our country endorses
We must pray for those still in the fight
That God would keep them through the night
That He would hold tight their family
And bless the veterans, who kept us free
Thank you veterans, we’ll not forget
The sacrifices you made, we’re in your debt
May God bless you every day
May we never forget to pray
That God would say close at your side
As you fight for us, in Him abide
Through the longest, darkest night
You are our heroes, fighting for the right
Debbie Preuss © 2005