When I was growing up, I obviously learned many lessons from my parents. One of the most important lessons they taught me that has really impacted my life in positive ways, is their sage advice to take every chance you can to thank a veteran for their service. From the time when I was 7 years old and my parents invited two World War II veterans to our home for Thanksgiving (who told my brother and I their G rated war stories), I have made it a habit to thank a veteran whenever the opportunity presents itself.
There was the time when, in the middle of a job interview I noticed from the plaque on the wall that my prospective boss served in Vietnam so I thanked him as I shook his hand at the end of the interview. Then there are the innumerable times I have seen bumper stickers on cars denoting military service so I have rolled down my car window and thanked a veteran at a stop light.
Once I thanked a Vietnam war veteran at a restaurant (he was wearing a Navy jacket), and he was so choked up he had to leave his table. His wife thanked me profusely and told me that she could count on one hand the number of times someone had thanked him for his service.
I love to thank a vet when it is Memorial Day, Veteran's Day or any day.
Last year I had the pleasure of going to Washington D.C. with my daughter and her 8th grade class. One of the absolute highlights of our trip was visiting the World War II Memorial and thanking every single veteran that we saw. The joy it brought to the veterans was shown by the tears that rolled down many of their faces. The joy it brought to our day was enough to leave us all wanting more of that grateful feeling.
I am certain that the kids I was with on the trip, including my daughter, will always seek out and thank a vet for their service whenever they get the chance. It really is sage advice that is so simple to do but that will help you to live your life to its fullest. Try it and I guarantee you will make it a habit.
In case you missed it, On Mondays I will be linking up with an amazing group of women bloggers from the Skimbaco community. We will be offering up ideas on finding fulfillment in life right now through the little things to make the most out of each and every day.
Have a blog? Love to have you link up and join us in this Live a Little blog hop!! Sometime this week, write a post about how you Live a Little then link up using the Linky below and get the code yourself to put on your blog. If you would like to add a Live a Little banner, you can find those here.
P.S.- Have you heard about The Green PolkaDot Box! Recently launched with over 12,000 members and backed by the Organic Consumer's Association, you can easily buy NonGMO organic groceries, including Harvest Fresh Organic produce, at wholesale pricing online. It's like a Sam's club but focused on products for green, healthy living!! You can even shop by dietary restrictions like gluten free, vegan or diabetic and it all comes right to your front door. I love it.
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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead