Annie's Veterans Day Page (original) (raw)

Annie's "Veterans Day" Page
~Celebrated on November 11th each year~
Thank you to all of those that have served, & are serving in the American Armed Forces.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." ~Hebrews 4:12~

Thank you seems so inadequate. We do appreciate all that you have done and are doing to make our country save and free! We are very proud of your sacrifice for us.

Let's learn some things about the different branches of the Military. There are 5 major branches of the American Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and The Coast Guard!

~The Army~ Army, United States, is the branch of the armed services responsible for military land operations. The Army must be prepared to use swift, forceful action to overcome any enemy that might threaten the United States or its interests in other parts of the world. It also helps train the military forces of many friendly countries and supplies them with equipment. ~Above Information from The World Book Encyclopedia~

~The Air Force~ Air Force, United States, is the branch of the armed forces responsible for most military operations in the air and in space. Air Force reconnaissance satellites and aircraft constantly scan the earth for signs of hostile activity. To discourage attacks on the United States or its allies, the Air Force maintains the power to strike back immediately with conventional or nuclear weapons. The Air Force also supports ground troops in battle and protects them from air attack. Air Force transport planes deliver troops and supplies. ~Above Information from The World Book Encyclopedia~

~The Navy~ Navy, United States, is the branch of the armed forces of the United States that acts to maintain command of the sea. In time of peace, the Navy often serves as an instrument of international relations. The very presence of naval vessels may be helpful in keeping a crisis from flaring into war. Navy ships also speed on errands of mercy, such as carrying food and medical supplies to disaster areas. Merchant vessels and passenger ships often call on the Navy for aid in emergencies.

Mysterious Fathoms Below - Sub Page! - A Page by my friend Jennifer who is a Christian "Navy" Wife!

~The Marines~ "Marine is a soldier who serves at sea and in special missions on land and in the air. Marines also serve in amphibious operations--seaborne operations that involve naval, air, and land forces. Marines receive specialized training for the tasks they are expected to perform. Nearly all of the major maritime nations maintain marine forces or some type of naval infantry." ~Above Information from The World Book Encyclopedia~

~The Coast Guard~ "Coast Guard, United States, is a branch of the armed services. It also serves as the chief agency for protecting life and property at sea and enforcing United States maritime laws. The Coast Guard fights smuggling, protects ships and ports, and rescues victims of sea disasters. In peacetime, it operates as a branch of the Department of Transportation. In time of war, it becomes an active part of the United States Navy. The Coast Guard's many duties give special meaning to its motto, Semper Paratus, which means always ready." ~Above Information from The World Book Encyclopedia~ ~Here is the Link to the Coast Guard~

Other Branches of the Military are: National Guard & Reserves!

What is Honor (or honour)?

What do you honor? What do you respect? If we don't even know or understand what "honor" means then how can we give it?

Let's start by looking at the definition:

honor \Hon"or\, n. [OE. honor, honour, onour, onur, OF. honor, onor, honur, onur, honour, onour, F. honneur, fr. L. honor, honos.] [Written also** honour.] 1. Esteem due or paid to** worth; high estimation; respect; consideration; reverence; veneration; manifestation of respect or reverence.

How can we show respect to our Veteran's? Just 2 words would be a good place to start. THANK YOU!!!! They are just words but they can reach, touch and change a heart. We read in the book of James that the tongue can harm us but in the Psalms we also learn that a kind word is like honey.

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue , but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." ~James 1:26~

"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" ~Psalm 119:103~

Words can hurt us to the core. Words can also nurture our soul and spirit. Unexpected acts of Kindness really do bless the receiver and also the giver.

We know from the news and history that during and after almost all the wars the soldiers were shown tremendous respect, honor and appreciation. The pictures of the ticker tape parades and the sailor kissing the lovely young lady are permanently imprinted in our minds. Unfortunately during and after the Vietnam war we failed to show our service people the respect and honor that they deserved. So this Veteran's Day tell a Veteran "THANK YOU". If you know a Vietnam veteran make a special effort to say "THANK YOU" to them. I am sure that little extra effort will be very much appreciated. "Better late then never" seems to be an appropriate saying.

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." ~Philippians 1:3~

Please take the time to let your Congressmen and Senator know that you don't want our vets homeless and without medical care. The statistics are horrifying about the number of Vets living on the street or in homeless shelters. You can make a difference. One person at a time.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." ~Proverbs 17:22~

Here are a few ideas for Veterans Day: 1. Write a soldier in active duty. During the Gulf war I wrote TWO letters. One to APO and the other to FPO. A letter from home or a "care package" is appreciated so very much. ***Currently this has been suspended*** 2. Send a Care package. A Care package with goodies and American news would be a nice gesture to show your appreciation. 3. Visit a Veterans Hospital. Take some flowers from your garden, or some fresh homemade cookies. 4. Send a Veteran a special Email Greeting from Annie's Card Shop: Remembrance Day or Veterans Day
5. Visit a memorial or attend a local service or parade to honor our Veterans. 6. Pray for a service person. Maybe even "adopt" one as a family project. You can correspond and even ask them if they have any prayer requests for you to pray about as a family. 7. Consider taking part in STUDENT VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES to Veterans. Of course you will need to always get your parents permission to do this. 8. Offer to help your church have a special tribute to the Veterans. You can do a bulletin board of pictures of your members in their uniforms. Maybe you can add a special "guess who" or "then & now" section. Some churches give out carnation boutonnieres to all those who have servered our country. 9. Some of the Veterans might benefit from a work or help weekend pr special day. Maybe the Youth group in your church can offer to do different chores in the yards or homes of your Veterans. You could have a sign up sheet or something similar or the Senior's Pastor and Youth Pastor could coordinate something. 10: Do a "Random Act of Kindness". I have some ideas about that on my Annie's April Fool's Day Page. Don't let the name of the page fool you.

In the Bible we are told that "Faith without works is dead". Unfortunately there are Christian's who do not "live" what they believe and it is near impossible to distinguish them from the rest of the world. Don't be one of those who say "Don't do as I do, do as I say". Let your actions reflect your heart and love of the Lord. Reach out and bless someone this Veterans Day.

Interesting stats from the VA site: "The present veteran population is estimated at 25.6 million, as of July 1, 1997. Nearly 80 "of every 100 living veterans served during defined periods of armed hostilities. Altogether, almost one-third of the nation's population -- approximately 70 million persons who are veterans, dependents and survivors of deceased veterans -- are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services."

Why do we celebrate Memorial Day and Veterans Day? Aren't they the same thing?

Memorial Dayhonors the American Military who have died in their service for the country. Veterans Day is to appreciate all who have served their country both alive and dead. The Army describes the two holidays at this page: ~US Army Page~

Do you know the Veterans in your extended family? Make sure you "thank and honor" them on this special day.

10/30/01 - President Bush announces National Veterans Awareness Week. Check out: Veterans Day November 11 2001 from www.va.gov. Senate Resolution 143 - "Designated the week of November 11 through November 17, 2001 as National Veterans Awareness Week....."