Thank You

Wow.

That's all I can truly say about the last few weeks.

It's literally been a whirlwind.

Don't worry - I'll fill you all in on the happenings around Elegant Mommy and our three new little ones, but for today, I need to focus on something else.

Veterans.

It's Veterans Day here in the USA, and I just want to convey how important this day is to us here in our household, and I pray that you all find it just as important.

Veterans Day wasn't always called that. It originated back in 1919 and was originally called "Armistice Day". It marked and celebrated the end of "The War to End All Wars" - aka World War I.

As time went on (and presumably since there were more wars after WWI), the day changed a bit and in 1954 President Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation, which stated:  "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."*

Some of you may know, many of you may not, that my husband is a bit passionate about honoring veterans and their sacrifices. He has personally interviewed more than 500 WWII veterans so he can tell their stories. He has written and published several books, and is working on several more telling their amazing stories. He wants to portray what it was really like to serve in the war. He's heard some absolutely amazing stories, and around here we are pretty darn patriotic and want to thank every single veteran who has ever served in any way - each one has had a very important role.

There are a lot of quotes about veterans, what they have done for us, and what they continue to do for us every single day. Here are some great quotes I found** that barely scratch the surface on how much we appreciate them, but are pretty powerful nonetheless.

“On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.”
—Dan Lipinski

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” —Elmer Davis

“Our veterans accepted the responsibility to defend America and uphold our values when duty called.”
—Bill Shuster

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. “
—Joseph Campbell

“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms.  It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.” —G.K. Chesterton

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” – Billy Graham

So.

If you know a veteran, thank him or her today. Thank him or her tomorrow. Thank him or her every time you see them.

If you are a veteran, please know that there are many of us who are at home and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We know that it's because of the sacrifices you and your family have made and continue to make that we are able to be free and live the beautiful lives that we live. My prayer is that you and your families are richly blessed now and in the future! Thank you SO VERY MUCH!!

Much love and gratitude

~Evie

*The History of Veterans Day information was found, and President Eisenhower's quote taken from, http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp 

**Veterans Day quotes were found and taken from http://americanprofile.com/articles/20-memorable-veterans-day-quotes/