Memorial Day - A Time To Reflect

Memorial Day is a time of reflection.  We honor those who have given their lives in the service of their country.  We honor those who served during peacetime and conflict - both at home and abroad.

Since my Dad's death in March we have interred him in his final resting place - a Veteran's National Cemetery in our area  It was a moving and memorable experience. Dad was a US Naval officer and served over twenty years as a pilot.

This Memorial Day make it a point to reflect on the sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price. Visit the grave site of a loved one who served in the armed forces. Tell your children and grandchildren about the heroes you know personally. Share the history and background of a few of the more memorable conflicts and wartime stories that might be of interest to them.

\Here are a couple of my past Memorial Day posts to enjoy -

May - Memorial Day & Military Appreciation

Are You A Female Serving in the US Military?

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Memorial Day - A Time To Reflect

November is Military Family Appreciation Month

Did you know that November has been designated Military Family Appreciation Month by the President and the US Department of Defense?

The  U S Dept. of Defense  has information and updates from last year's activities and stories.  Military families that are dealing with one or both parents on deployment have a multitude of resources to help with their family obligations and day to day struggles.

The President designated November to be a month of awareness of what military families face and how we as a grateful nation can participate in helping them.

There are projects across this nation started by moms, wives, sisters, and whole communities to tackle some of the most demanding needs. Everything from playgrounds to school projects, Thanksgiving meals and pre-Christmas shopping to childcare are just some of the ways you can make a difference in the life of a military family you know.

Yard work, small home repairs and automobile maintenance is another way neighbors can help their military community.  Baby showers, wedding planning and school prom preparation is always welcome.  There are so many opportunities to help a military family - the list is unending.  Use your imagination and come up with a unique way to serve a member of our armed services.

What are some special things you have done for a local military family?  Do you inquire within your neighborhood or at church to see if there is someone who would benefit from a helping hand? 

Military.com  Is another important resource for information regarding Military Family Appreciation Month, as well as helps for military families and their support grid.  There are links to financial, educational and military benefit sites, along with news stories relating to the armed forces.

One of our favorite Military charities is the  Wounded Warrior Project      Their organization exists to help those who have incurred service related injury or illness during service to their country. We are proud to be a monthly contributor to such an excellent provider of services and support for our troops and their families.  Please visit their website and consider becoming a partner with this extraordinary group.

While our son has been on deployment in the Mideast aboard the USS Iwo Jima, we have sent him numerous boxes with various magazines, personal hygiene items, power bars, coffee, tea, dried fruits, popular sweets and snacks, photos, cards, and more. Personal requests made it more of a "scavenger hunt" on some occasions, but overall it's been great fun putting them together to mail.

Sean & Sydney 2012

As a mom of a US Marine, I have taken on the personal mission of sending various Christian devotionals, magazines and books - without overdoing it (if you know what I mean). Just my way of giving him a little spiritual boost from the home front.  I encourage you to take advantage of the fact that when they are far from home their hearts are often open to the Word of God.

Here are some of my favorite verses that you can pray over your loved one while they serve their country:

Lord, thank You that the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon them. The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ.  (Isaiah 11:2)

Lord, thank You that You require of them to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with their God. In the name of Jesus Christ.  (Micah 6:8)

Lord, thank You that You will instruct them, and teach them the way in which they should go, You will counsel them with Your eye upon them.  In the name of Jesus Christ.  (Psalm 32:8)

Lord, thank You that if any of them lacks wisdom, they will ask of You, Who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to them.  In the name of Jesus Christ.  (James 1:5)

Lord, thank You that You are faithful, and You will strengthen and protect them from the evil one.  In the name of Jesus Christ.  (II Thessalonians 3:3)

Lord, thank You that they can cast all their anxiety upon You, because You care for them.  In the name of Jesus Christ.  (I Peter 5:7)


Tell me some of your favorite military charities and organizations that you support.  What is one of the best things anyone has done for your family while your loved one served in the military?  Do you have a story to share about something you've done to help out a family in need?

So - it is November 2nd - that means you have 28 more days to show your appreciation to a military family near you!  

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

November is Military Family Appreciation Month

Celebrate Our Troops - Happy Veterans Day 2011

Do you know a veteran?  Are you a veteran?  If you answered "yes" - then we owe you a debt of gratitude and respect.  Thank you for your service!

Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11th. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.  The United States also celebrated Armistice Day on November 11th until Al King, an Emporia, Kansas shoe store owner campaigned to update it to ‘All’ Veterans Day. With the help of then U.S. Representative Ed Rees and President Dwight Eisenhower, Congress amended this act on November 8, 1954, replacing ‘Armistice’ with Veterans, and it has been known as Veterans Day.  [Wikipedia]

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities.  The armistice ending World War I went into effect at 11:00 a.m., on November 11, 1918.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

 

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words: 

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

  

On October 8^th 1938, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 preserves the historical significance of the date.  It also brings attention to the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

 Share with me something special about a veteran in your family!

Also, here are three great resources for families of veterans that are deployed:

http://www.christianmilitarywives.com

http://www.wivesoffaith.org

http://weservetoo.com

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Celebrate Our Troops - Happy Veterans Day 2011