Story time! The summer before my seventh-grade year, my dad, Mikey and I were eating at the McDonald's in our town. Sitting across from us were two highly decorated officers. I wanted to tell them something, but I was nervous to because they were engrossed in conversation. My dad was all for me doing it, but then they got up. I thought they were leaving, but thankfully, they were only going to the bathroom. After they got back, I went up to them and said, "Excuse me, thank you for serving our country." I thought they would just say a simple, "Your welcome" but I was not expecting what was going to happen next.
These men were so incredibly kind, humbled and wanted to know why I thanked them. I told them that my cousin was just starting out in basic training in the army and it was amazing to think that one day she could be as decorated as these incredible men. They wished me luck in life, and I felt like I made a difference.
The story doesn't end there, however.
One of the men came back in. He had tears in his eyes. He was so touched by the fact that I thanked him. He was so amazed by the fact a little 12-year-old me had the courage and heart to thank him (believe me, I was very nervous) and he gave me one of his pins. My dad and I were in a state of shock (my brother was probably confused with everything going on) and I told him, "no, sir this is yours. You earned it." He refused to take it back. He gave it to me.
It brings tears to my eyes and love to my heart remembering that moment in my life.
Yet, why were these men so surprised as to receiving a simple 'thank you' from a stranger?
Men and women like them give up everything, some even their lives, to serve our country. They give up seeing their husbands, wives, family, friends, children, pets for long periods of time to uphold this land that we call America. Yet many people are oblivious to how big of a price they are paying. As it is said, "Freedom isn't free."
We didn't just get this freedom by chance. We have soldiers all across the world defending our country and preventing attacks like 9/11 from happening again. And all we have to say "thank you" is BBQ parties on Memorial day and the occasional heartfelt Facebook post dedicated to our troops.
These men and women went through awful things to fight for us. From studying the wars in American History my 8th and 9th grade year, I was barely able to scratch the service of what these men and women had to endure in order to protect our freedom.
The point of this post is if you see a man or woman in uniform, thank them. They have done a great deal for our country, for us. For you. They are the unsung heroes, the ones who do everything yet get barely appreciated. They do it out of love and patriotism, but they deserve far more recognition then they get.
To all that have served, are serving or will serve some day, THANK YOU. I wish I could give you a hug and let you know how awesome you are. I am grateful to live in America where we have amazing men and women who are willing to answer the call to serve.
These men were so incredibly kind, humbled and wanted to know why I thanked them. I told them that my cousin was just starting out in basic training in the army and it was amazing to think that one day she could be as decorated as these incredible men. They wished me luck in life, and I felt like I made a difference.
The story doesn't end there, however.
One of the men came back in. He had tears in his eyes. He was so touched by the fact that I thanked him. He was so amazed by the fact a little 12-year-old me had the courage and heart to thank him (believe me, I was very nervous) and he gave me one of his pins. My dad and I were in a state of shock (my brother was probably confused with everything going on) and I told him, "no, sir this is yours. You earned it." He refused to take it back. He gave it to me.
It brings tears to my eyes and love to my heart remembering that moment in my life.
Yet, why were these men so surprised as to receiving a simple 'thank you' from a stranger?
Men and women like them give up everything, some even their lives, to serve our country. They give up seeing their husbands, wives, family, friends, children, pets for long periods of time to uphold this land that we call America. Yet many people are oblivious to how big of a price they are paying. As it is said, "Freedom isn't free."
We didn't just get this freedom by chance. We have soldiers all across the world defending our country and preventing attacks like 9/11 from happening again. And all we have to say "thank you" is BBQ parties on Memorial day and the occasional heartfelt Facebook post dedicated to our troops.
These men and women went through awful things to fight for us. From studying the wars in American History my 8th and 9th grade year, I was barely able to scratch the service of what these men and women had to endure in order to protect our freedom.
The point of this post is if you see a man or woman in uniform, thank them. They have done a great deal for our country, for us. For you. They are the unsung heroes, the ones who do everything yet get barely appreciated. They do it out of love and patriotism, but they deserve far more recognition then they get.
To all that have served, are serving or will serve some day, THANK YOU. I wish I could give you a hug and let you know how awesome you are. I am grateful to live in America where we have amazing men and women who are willing to answer the call to serve.