TELL THEM THANK YOU

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (Luke 15:13)

Today is November 11- Veteran’s Day. This is one of the few Federal Holidays that was not made into a “Monday Holiday” in the late 1960s or early 1970s. (I know people under 45 probably have no idea what I’m talking about, but at one time George Washington’s Birthday was always celebrated on February 22, Memorial Day was always celebrated on May 30, and Columbus Day was always celebrated on October 12, until they were changed into “Monday holidays” to “make things easier for schools and businesses”.) Well, to be COMPLETELY correct, Veteran’s Day WAS changed into a “Monday holiday” for a few years, but the Vets really pitched a fit about it, and it was changed back to November 11.

I can’t blame them for pitching a fit about it! They sacrificed so much for our country, NOT thinking of ease or convenience...how dare we diminsh their holiday?!

There are a number of appropriate ways to remember those who served in our Armed Forces and those who currently serve in our Armed Forces on Veteran’s Day.

If you have a relative or friend serving in the Military, this would be a great day to send them an e-mail, including a “thank you” for what they do. Especially after that horrific event at Ft. Hood last week, I’m sure such expressions of gratitude would be appreciated.

If you CAN’T think of anyone you know serving in the military, might I suggest you send a short greeting and thank you to my brother-in-law Steve Gardiner who is currently serving in Afghanistan? Steve is a Navy Officer in his late 40s. I hesitate to state his rank because I’m not exactly sure what it is and I don’t want to promote him or demote him unnecessarily! But, trust me, he’s a Navy Officer. Steve is currently “on loan” to the U.S. Army. He served on board ship in the Persian Gulf during the “First Gulf War” in the days of the first President Bush. Since that time, he’s served several times overseas including a year at Guantanamo Bay, and his current service in Afghanistan (which started a couple of months ago). Steve is single and has no kids. One of the reasons he’s volunteered to go so many times is to (hopefully) take the place of some younger married man who’d have to leave a wife and kids behind. Steve’s a character and a very humble guy. He speaks with a bit of an old-fashioned New England Yankee accent, and his handwriting looks like it could have been done by one of the founding fathers! Steve is particularly fascinated by New England Revolutionary War era history. He’s a very committed Christian, and a true patriot and hero. I’m sure he’d be surprised and blessed to receive man “Thank You” e-mails. Steve Gardiner’s e-mail address is: gardinersteven@hotmail.com