Today is Armed Forces Day, a day to show support for our military members and to thank them for their service to our country.
My good friend, Fr. Jerry Sherbourne, is a military chaplain. His blog helps us understand the sacrifices our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines – and their families – make to defend our country.
I am editing a book written by a woman and her chaplain husband. They had both been widowed, and the woman had no previous experience with military life. As a grandmother, she was deeply touched by the sacrifices military families make to support their husband, wife, father, or mother.
The following sites and videos remind us of the sacrifices of those who serve and those who wait at home missing and worrying for the safety of their loved one:
Armed Forces Tribute
Military Prayer Point
Remember Me
Until We Meet Again!
When Are You Coming Home?
Updated to add this video of my client Ted Janicki:
Capt Janicki – Rebuilding Afghanistan With Class
Linda Cano, a friend who works a part-time job to earn money for postage to write letters to nearly 150 soldiers twice a month, says this:
This is why I write to our troops. This is why I do without to make sure they get mail. This is why I cry myself to sleep every time one dies or is wounded. They do what we don’t have the strength and courage to do. They are our heroes. They fight so we don’t have to. Honor them. Respect them. Support them. Most of all, thank them when they come home…shake their hands. Visit your VA home and hug a veteran. They need to know we remember the sacrifices they made for our safety and security. Don’t pity our wounded…they don’t want your pity. They want your gratitude and respect…they have earned it. God bless our troops.
Though we especially show our appreciation for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines on Armed Forces Day, they need our support all the time.
If you’d like to support the troops, a number of excellent organizations can use your help. Here are some of my favorites:
Adopt-a-Chaplain
AnySoldier.Com
Soldiers Angels
And if you do nothing else, if you believe in the power of prayer, you can pray regularly.
O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Related Posts:
Let’s Say Thanks!
If you want your writing to make a difference in people’s lives…
Another Great Organization for Our Troops
Reservist still teaches college classes online while serving in Afghanistan
[tags]Armed Forces Day, support our troops, Adopt-a-Chaplain, AnySoldier.com, Soldiers Angels[/tags]