A Hero Moment on Veterans Day from this Breast Cancer Survivor

I recently came across the following quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” ~Winston Churchill  I pondered this for awhile as I thought about some people who don’t begin to get the recognition that they deserve and this is our veterans.

I love my country and everything for which it stands. I appreciate the freedoms that I have that allow me to be who and what I am and to believe whatever I choose. But, I also know that in order to have these freedoms, these rights have to be defended and although I would fight in many ways in order to defend these rights, I can’t imagine being a part of the military that defends this country.I can’t imagine dedicating my life, even for a short period of time, to a commitment where I would put myself in harm’s way to be a part of the military. I can’t imagine committing myself to do whatever is necessary to defend this republic, both here and throughout the world.

“Although I can’t imagine what it feels like to be a veteran, I know that every time I hear a patriotic song or see you on the TV screen, I will say a prayer of thanks to Almighty God for each and every one of you.”Barbara Jacoby

I can’t imagine any of these things because I don’t have what it takes to do or be someone of that caliber. However, that does not mean that I can’t appreciate and be grateful for each and every military person, past and present, who has dedicated themselves to protecting me and the values and life that I enjoy. Each one of these people is my hero. They all have a strength and courage and heart and soul that I will never know. And on this Veterans Day, I want to send out my own thoughts and prayers and gratitude to them for their hard work, dedication and sacrifices.

We look to these people as our heroes. In the overall scheme of things, living a wonderful life is never going to be based upon how many things you acquire or how much money you amass or whether you have the fanciest of clothing and jewels.  All of those things will never give you the same sense of accomplishment or happiness or purpose as giving of yourself to help to protect others.  I know that my life has been changed forever in so many ways and on so many occasions by some very special people and it will never matter what I have in material possessions when I think about what these people have given to me. The very least that I can do is pay it forward and do so with all of the love and honor and respect and gratitude that I have received from them.

I also want to send out my gratitude and thanks to every parent, family member, friend and acquaintance of our military personnel. Many of you have sacrificed a huge part of your own lives in the support and love and assistance that you have provided to those who make sacrifices on a daily basis that I can’t even imagine. For those of you who have had your lives altered forever because of physical and/or mental injuries that your veterans have suffered, I send you special prayers as well.

Although I can’t imagine what it feels like to be a veteran, I know that every time I hear a patriotic song or see you on the TV screen, I will say a prayer of thanks to Almighty God for each and every one of you. And should I pass you on the street, or in the supermarket or at an airport or anywhere, I will give you my own personal thanks for what you have done and are doing as you can’t imagine what you mean to me and all of the people in this country.