~veterans day momentos~

Each Veteran's Day I like to recognize the veterans

I personally know. Whether that be by mailing them

a card, calling them or writing something

on my family blog about them and their service. 

My husband's Grandpa proudly served in

the U.S. Navy during WWII. It's been nearly

a year since he died and I wanted to be sure 

to acknowledge his service even though he's not

with us anymore. It disappoints me

that the stores really don't have much to 

offer for those wanting to acknowledge 

the importance of this day. I suppose

Christmas is much more profitable 

for the retailers. Even in the greeting

card section I could only find 4 different cards

for Veteran's Day (I bought 3 of them).

For Grandpa I decided to make a personalized

ornament to hang at his headstone.

 

Remember all those Christmas bulb ornaments I got 

last year? They came in handy again. I'm finding there

is a ton to do with these ornaments. I'm going to stock

up on a bunch of them again this Christmas.

I printed up a picture of him as a young, handsome naval dude

and put it inside the bulb with some

star shaped confetti. I then decorated the bulb

with some Americana stickers and ribbon.

Finally, I attached it to a wooden dowel.

Grandma was happy to go with me and it brought

tears to my eyes to hear her talk to Grandpa

and tell him she was proud of him for 

his service as she placed the flag at the base of

his headstone. Before the tears could

leave the corners of my eyes though she had

me laughing with the next sentence.....

"I hope it's not too hot down there."

Wherever you may be Grandpa....:)

thank you for your service.

Happy Veteran's Day. 

DON'T WAIT FOR VETERAN'S DAY TO THANK

OUR VETERANS.  They are veterans everyday....

not just one day a year.

The sacrifice of a veteran and his/her family is 

so great.  And don't assume the sacrifice

ends when their tour does. Most of the wounds of

war aren't visible, physical wounds. Many veterans are 

"emotionally serving" their whole lives. 

The emotional trauma of war can effect

the quality of life for the veteran

and for the family as well.

If you've ever loved a person who's been

to war you know this firsthand. 

If you don't, consider yourself informed now.

They deserve respect and recognition.....

give it to them.

  HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY.