Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!  Today's post is dedicated to those men and women who give their lives so that we may enjoy the freedoms that we have in this country.

Growing up Memorial Day was just another day off from school.  As a Girl Scout, we marched in the parades but the true significance of the day was beyond my understanding.  The Vietnam War (okay so I am showing my age) brought to light some of what the day meant but still it didn't touch my heart.  My dad and step-dad both served in the military - I have listed to their tales but yet it never really sunk in.  

At the start of "Operation Freedom" some 10 plus years ago, the commitment of the men and women in the military as well as that of their families HIT HOME!  Stephanie's husband, Bill,  was being deployed for what they said would be about 30 days.  Stephanie and I had been friends since our daughters, Jen and Belinda, met in pre-school so I was willing to help in any way possible.  There were the 3 boys - Sean, Ryan and Shane as well as Jen who were all in school, active in various activities and not really understanding what would be dad's first deployment.  The days leading up to Bill's leaving were filled with lots of paperwork - wills, living wills, etc.  The weeks after Bill left were full of emotions - tears, anger, frustration - it was just too hard for the kids to understand that dad wouldn't be home for awhile.  A 30 day deployment turned into 6 months.  Tough times for everyone - financially and emotionally.  

When Bill returned home, we all attended the next Memorial Day parade together.  It took on a whole new meaning for me as well as for the kids.  It wasn't just about a day off from work or school, it was a day to honor those who sacrifice their lives daily for us whether here or abroad. I am grateful for the men and women in the military, past, present and future who give their all so that we can live in freedom.  The battle scars of war worn by these men and women are not always seen for the emotional toll that it takes on them and their families leaves a permanent mark.  On the outside, all may be well but on the inside they carry the memories that will haunt them forever.  

If you see someone in the military - stop and thank them, let them know that you appreciate what they are doing for this country.  Check out my blog "Coupons for Our Troops" on a way that you can help our military families by simply cutting coupons.  As the sun rises on Memorial Day,  STOP and say a prayer asking for the safety of our men and women near and far who serve this country.  Yes, you may have the day off from work or school and you may be able to enjoy barbecues with friends and family - but there are those in the military who don't get a day off.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day. 

Coupons for Our Troops

This morning I was trying to figure out what to blog about when I began my usual sorting of the coupons - DUH!!!  Why not share with everyone this AMAZING program that helps our military personal and their family.  I first found out about Operation Coupons for Our Troops about six months ago through a Facebook friend who is a member of the Cranford VFW Post 335 (Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vfwpost335).

Every week, households across the country get the newspaper which typically have manufacturers coupons.  Some of us cut out what we can use while others simply put the entire batch in the recycling bin never to be seen again.  What if there was a place to send them that would help others and all it would cost you would be the postage?  What a GREAT way for us to "give back" to our military families by recycling coupons that we don't use. Military families can use current and EXPIRED (up to 3 months from the expiration date) manufacturers coupons at the BX/PX.  Such an easy way to help others who risk their lives for us each day.

I never realized how much the "small" things that we take for granted are appreciated by our military families and our troops until about 10 years ago.  My best friend's husband, Bill, was deployed to Bagram in the early days of "Operation Freedom".

A one month deployment turned into a 6 month stint during a time when there was no family support groups - just friends and family who got Stephanie and the four kids (Jen, Sean, Ryan & Shane) through the many days and long nights.  Every penny counted and believe it or not, coupons helped. Here is a quote from her Facebook page on Veteran's Day -

" On Veterans Day, don't count the days or the months. Just please remember every family of every soldier - and if you don't know what to say, just do a random act of kindness like taking out the trash for a soldier's wife while her husband is at home. Small things mean a lot. I know.  November 11, 2012 at 8:37pm 

Have a wonderful day and if you should see someone from the military today - Thank them!  They don't just sacrifice their lives on Veteran's Day but EVERY DAY!