Flags are flying everywhere today and our thoughts turn to both those who have served our country in the past and in the present. I have two nephews who are in the Marines, my brother-in-law recently retired from the 101st Airborne, my father-in-law served in the Korean war and there many more I could mention. I am thankful, very very thankful for their sacrifices, their love of country and all that they do to keep our country safe and give us the chance to continue to thrive in this great country.
Today is a good day to also think about how we can show our support beyond just a few words on the internet. Cop the Truth has a good post about sending care packages during the holidays. Think about this early, folks, you can't wait til Dec 23 to get it there in time.
I've also listed a few other organizations I'm familiar with that give us opportunities to show our support for the troops. If you would like to recommend any others, please leave their info in the comments section. Thank you.
Cop the Truth: Support Our Troops this Christmas
Cell Phones For Soldiers: Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the non-profit has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
Operation Gratitude: This organization seeks to lift morale and put smiles on faces by sending care packages addressed to individual Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed overseas. Operation Gratitude care packages contain food, hygiene products, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.
Such an awesome idea.
My mother has always inspired me at Christmas. She usually gives a large donation to a local charity in lieu of gifts for us (now that we are older), stating "others need it so much more than we do."
Posted by: MJ | November 11, 2009 at 07:44 PM
I really like that you've offered suggestions in how to properly thank those currently serving while acknowledging those that have served in the past. I too blogged about Veteran's Day and hope that they know how grateful we are!
Posted by: Natalie | November 11, 2009 at 08:47 PM
LOVE Operation Gratitude....
anyone living close to the Armory, can go and help pack or *proof*read the cards that are being send out (that's what I did,read a few hundreds cards/letters...to make sure there is no hate mail,etc.).
Posted by: Mich | November 12, 2009 at 06:14 PM