Thankful Thursday- November 15

This past Sunday (observed on Monday) was Veteran's Day.  And this soldier's wife cannot go without marking the occasion and taking a moment to acknowledge the veterans in my life and thank them for their sacrifice.  Freedom isn't free.  Never has been.  Never will.  It is a constant struggle.  When we become complacent with the freedoms we have is when we are the most vulnerable to lose them.  We must be on guard, vigilant and willing, like the many before us, to stand up for what we know is good and right; to never let anyone take away the rights we have been given by God, for which millions have fought and lost their lives to defend.  Freedom, in one form or another, is what brought the majority of our ancestors to these shores, whether it be from religious persecution in the 17th century or from dictatorship and oppression in the 20th.  It is what this nation was founded upon, fought for and cherished for over two centuries.  Let.Us.Never.Forget.

Thank you to my dad, my uncle, my cousin, the many in our family who have already passed away, and to my husband, who continues to serve today.  I also remember the families who remain behind and support the troops, maintaining their homes and keeping their children secure and safe.  They all have done their part and even if it isn't said very often, I know that the heart of this nation is forever indebted to our military and their families.

My husband in Iraq

Hubby and Kiddo #4 3 years ago on Veteran's Day

and with Kiddo #1 in his Civil Air Patrol uniform  :-)

What are you grateful for today?

I'm sharing with these lovely ladies: ,Lisa at The Army Chap's Wife, NOBH , A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, Spilled Milkshake, Miscellany Monday, Women Living Well Wednesday and Raising Homemakers.