For all of us who understand the great sacrifices made, “Thank you for your support.”
Our seventh video in the series features this video from moments.org. Here’s a direct link to their website: http://moments.org/
When I worked for a large retail store, a young man who worked in the same department was a recent Veteran of the War in the Middle East. Without exception, when he realized that a customer was a Veteran, he would reach out his hand, and, simply say, “Thank you for your service.” This young man went on to pursue public office, and I’ll never forget that hand reaching out, the handshake, and those words: “Thank you for your service.”
Our sixth video in the series was first aired during this year’s Super Bowl, and features Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag,” with an entirely new video background story, shot just for this Super Bowl 51 Pre-Game feature.
Interestingly, the game featured a team called “The Patriots.”
Once again, Fox Sports should be commended for providing a Patriotic feature before kick-off. We’ve written much about how often we would hear our National Anthem … if we didn’t watch sports. For the last several years, when it was “their turn” to broadcast the game, Fox Sports has paid honor to our Country, and it’s Veterans, by providing such a feature as this.
We’ve just returned from Georgia, where Daddy was laid to rest, beside my Mother, and my Sister.
Just a few days ago … I was there as the Honor Guard placed the United States Flag on Daddy’s casket. I witnessed, in somber silence, as I stood, just a few feet away, as the 21-Gun Salute echoed through the North Georgia hills … So, too, I stood a few feet away as the Bugler played “Taps,” my memories fading into the trees with those mournful notes … I was there when two members of the Guard reverently removed the United States Flag, folded it ever so carefully … so thoughtfully … so respectfully … and then, bowing down … the Captain of the Honor Guard gently placed the folded Flag into my oldest’s Sister’s hands, and then … I leaned in closely in order to hear the spoken words … It was a deeply personal moment, and the words were spoken softly, personally, as he looked directly into my Sister’s tears:
“This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation as a token of appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
I’ve never been so proud of “That Ragged Old Flag.”
Our fourth video in the series features the beautiful, so soulful, voice of Sarah McLachlan, singing “In the Arms of an Angel,” with images … Here’s a link to Sarah’s official website: Sarah McLachlan’s Website
I just can’t find the words to write, to go with these images … because … there are just no words that can …
“The price that our freedom demanded, didn’t allow you to come back.”
Our second video features Amazing Grace on bagpipes, the playing of Taps, and a 21-Gun Salute … and the images … the images so hard to imagine …
“… When someone is remembered … they continue to live on in the hearts of those they made impressions upon.”
I promise you that many of these images, many of which I saw here for the first time, I can’t get out of my mind … nor can I forget … nor do I want to forget.
I had planned to feature a story/poem saluting our Military, and, today, while I was researching something else, I just happened to find this video. This was quite a news story back during the Christmas holidays a couple of years ago.
A US Army soldier, expected by his family to be serving overseas during the Holidays, returns home … Watch as he visits his young daughter’s school, to surprise her during class …
Continue to pray for our troops … and the families (with us all) waiting for their safe return …
A friend, who is also Retired Military, sent me this video of a commercial presented by the Guinness Brewing Company.
So many things to be thankful for … not just this week, not just for one day … but, for every day. To be thankful for our freedom, is to be thankful for, and to, our veterans. And, to those on active duty across the globe today. They don’t choose where or why they are sent … they just choose … beforehand … to go …
It seems so appropriate that the nationally recognized day of Thanksgiving comes during the same month of the nationally recognized day to honor and salute our Veterans. Thanks to our men and women who have served, and serve today, think of the freedoms we enjoy, and, please, never stop thinking about it, and the ones who make it possible to continue.
“God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it.” Daniel Webster “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” General Douglas MacArthur
I checked on the background of this commercial, and discovered it first aired for the July 4th holiday … However, I had never seen it, so it was brand new to me … and, perhaps, for some of you. Even so, I’ve watched it many times, and I still “feel” it. One of our principles is that, if something touches and moves me, it would touch and move someone else. This commercial is a great example. Don’t worry … I really did have to think about sharing this one, based upon the source. But, I considered who and why it was sent to me … and most importantly … I considered what was being advertised here: Patriotism. I don’t think we can thank our military, both active and retired, enough.
Perhaps the music used is familiar to you. In checking the story of the commercial, there were certain people who were angry with the choice.
As I stood in class this morning, at attention, listening (and following along) as a Second-Grader recited the Pledge of Allegiance, I admit I was thinking about this commercial and what it represented … and, as I always do … at the “under God” part, I added, “Thank you, Jesus.” So, I’m not offended by the choice of music in the commercial … I must say, in an add way, to be honest, I’m glad I recognized it. That was something else I am grateful for.
The title, “The Empty Chair,” is also the title of one of the most touching, and haunting, and heart-wrenching songs to come out of the Civil War. I’ll try to find a performance, and the words, for you.
Please enjoy this salute to those we honor, this week, and every week:
Blessings, Richard. Vincent. Rose. Founder, President, and CEO Freedom Unlimited Resources
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