For Lavern and our Troops!~

Dear Susan,

 

I don't have a journal, but when I received this today, I really thought J-Land should be able to read about this--particularly the last entry concerning the wearing of Red on Friday, to support our troops.  Knowing from reading your journal that you have such a love for our men and women serving our country, I immediately thought of forwarding it to you, and perhaps you would see fit to bring it to the people who read your journal.  Thanks so much--if you think it OK to do so. 

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Dear LaVern,

 

I do see fit, as there are many families who won't be together this Christmas because their loved ones are serving their country.  There are many others who have lost their loved ones through serving their country who also won't have their loved one to celebrate with.  This is a time for remembering the sacrifice of our military, both past and present, and the great price of our freedom.  May we continue to lift them up in our prayers as they put themselves in grave danger every day so that we might have our freedom.  May we remember their great sacrifice during this holiday season.  God Bless America and God Bless our Troops!~ 

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Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded.
              Heading out I asked?
No. I'm escorting a soldier home.
          Going to pick him up?
No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family. 
 

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom: 

"Ladies and Gentleman,

 

We have had the honor of having Sgt. Steeley of the United States Marine Corps on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize thatI am proud to be an American. 
 

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do in freedom.

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"No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."

Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous, or overbearing.  Many Americans, like you, me, and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If everyone of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is ...."We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!! 

 

Thanks so much,

 

LaVern (Purplehazebarn)

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La Vern, I am proud to do this for you since you do not have a journal and even more proud to do it for our men and women in the military, as I want them to know how much we here at home support them and thank them for their bravery and great sacrifice to keep us free, as well as their duty to our country, and their Commander-In-Chief.  They are all heroes.

 

Blessings, hugs,  and prayers going out for our troops!

 

Susan

 

P.S. Please note I have more editing to do on this entry, as well as pictures and graphics to add when I find out where I saved them on this computer!!!!!