We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls. ~Robert J. McCracken
Earlier this week, I shared my gratitude for the freedoms we have in this country on Facebook as part of November’s 30 Days of Thanksgivng. It is easy to get complacent…to take for granted those freedoms we enjoy that are unlike any other experienced by people around the world. But those freedoms were not easily secured. Many men and women had to endure the harshness of war to protect those freedoms.
Veteran’s Day is one way we can honor those who have served our country. Celebrated each year on November 11th, this is the day World War 1 officially ended. And this year, we also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the war in Vietnam.
In honor of the men and women who have served our country, you’ll find a Flag of Thanks in Walmart stores nationwide where customers and employees can express their gratitude to our nation’s veterans via notes of thanks. (The stores will have red and white 4×6 cards for those notes that can then be attached to the Flag of Thanks) Once the flag has been filled with notes, it will be presented to the local VA Hospital Center.
Additionally, you can share a photo, video, or message of thanks to active duty troops and veterans via Walmart’s ithanku app. Selected messages will be shown during NBC Sports Network’s broadcast of the 2012 Carrier Classic today, November 9th at 4 pm EST.
My son is at an age where he can grasp the basic concepts surrounding Veteran’s Day. Over the weekend, we’re planning to pack up the Halloween candy and put together care packages for our active troops (more info can be found at Operation Gratitude). Even as something as a note or a drawn picture can be a way of teaching children about the concept of expressing gratitude to those who serve our country to protect our freedoms.
For older children, volunteering at a local community center (where they might encounter a Veteran) or visiting a VA Hospital is another way to teach children about Veteran’s Day.
How will you thank those men and women who have served our country this Veteran’s Day? I’d love to hear your thoughts…
I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.
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