Thankful Thursday - America's Heroes

This week, we saw the movie, Midway.  As I watched the battles between the American and Japanese fighting forces, I thanked God for our brave military members.  I'm grateful for those in the past as well as for the current members.  These brave souls were, and are, willing to lay down their lives for you and me.  Their commitment and courage are to be commended.   Every time we see a veteran, we say, "Thank you for your service." 

Jem particularly enjoyed the vintage airplanes in the movie, since he's the curator of a local warbird museum.  Both before and after, he shared volumes of information with me about the battle and the men portrayed, such as Nimitz and Doolittle. (He's not only my personal rabbi, but is also my own personal encyclopedia.) He was honored to meet Dick Cole, the last living member of the Doolittle Raiders.  I remember how excited he was to have his picture made with him that day.  Dick Cole was Jimmy Doolittle's co-pilot, and he passed away in 2018.
 

two American heroes

For Veterans Day, we attended an event honoring our local veterans.  Jem walked with the Navy vets in the parade.  It was raining, so the turnout was light, but it was a good show of support for these brave men and women.  Sorry for the blurry photos, but I was running to get ahead of the parade, plus it was drizzling rain.

That's Jem in the red t-shirt and denim jacket

God bless our veterans, and God bless the mothers and fathers who support and encourage their sons and daughters in their service to our country.  It's not easy to do.  But like Jem says, "Somebody's got to do it."  So, I'm thankful for the parents, the spouses, and the children of those who serve.  They should also be recognized and commended.  Speaking of that, I encourage you to read and share the book I recommended recently, 52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to Serve.  The book is a blessing and a great resource for parents and grandparents. 

What are you thankful for this week, Gail-Friends?  I'd love to hear about your American heroes.

P.S.  I'll have a big announcement next week, so be sure to stop back by on Thursday.

Thankful Thursday - Veterans Day & More

Hubby and I had a wonderful day yesterday, celebrating Veterans Day.  First, we went to the Veterans Day parade in downtown Melbourne, which is a lovely place to visit. A little girl handed him this card, and he told her, "You've made my day!"  I told the parents how much I admire them for teaching their children to honor the military.  Patriotism is not dead, Gail-Friends, and I'm thankful for that.  

Here are some photos from our time at the parade:

It was great to see people in the crowd decked out in patriotic clothing.  We always dress up.  Here's a closeup of the pin I wore, which I made years ago.  

After the parade, we went to Applebees for lunch.   All veterans received their meals FREE, which is another blessing I'm thankful for.  Our motto is, "If it's free, it's for me."   Doesn't he look happy?  And he's still just as cute as the first time I met him at the skating rink when I was sixteen.  

That afternoon, we attended the Massing of the Colors at Eastern Florida State College in Cocoa.  Even though the temperature was in the nineties, we still enjoyed a wonderful ceremony honoring the veterans.  We attend every year, and I think the best part is that G-d is also honored by the speakers and by the prayers offered.  The last song we sang was the Battle Hymn of the Republic, which always touches my heart.  Hearing the words, "Glory, Glory, Halelujah!  His Truth is marching on!" gives me chills. It reminded me that, in spite of the darkness we see in our country and the world, His will is supreme.  He's got this.























While in Melbourne, we visited Old Time Pottery.  I'm so thankful for a husband who doesn't mind my meanderings through "women's" stores.  He patiently pushed the cart and encouraged me to take my time.  I fell in love with this sign.  Isn't it the truth? I'm so thankful for my family. If you've never been to Old Time Pottery, be sure to stop in.  It's wonderful.

 

We also visited the Dollar Tree, where we found a selfie stick for $1.00.  Since our selfies always turn out super scary,  I thought this would help.  I got to thinking...if you take a pic of yourself, it's a selfie. So.... If it's two people, is it an "ussie"? If it's three or more, is it a "groupie"?  We'll need more practice with the stick, as you can see. 

Our doxie got a new shirt, too.  It says, "Who rescued whom?"

I heard a great quote today, which I'm pondering:

You don't believe what you SAY, you believe what you LIVE. 

And this verse from Ephesians 5:20 touched me this morning:

 "always give thanks for everything to G-d the Father

 in the name of our L-rd Yeshua the Messiah."

 What are you thankful for today, Gail-Friends?

Thankful Thursday is my day to focus on and be thankful for all of the good things in my life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I sometimes share my posts  with  friends at:
 

Charlotte a Spiritual SundaysSpiritual Sundays     Janis with Sunday Stillness       THE SUNDAY COMMUNITY – #GIVE ME GRACE @SEE SPEAK HEAR MAMA Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life     GRAND Social       The Beauty in His Grip Link-Up   

Modest Mom Monday Link-up         Growing Homemakers Link-Up        The Gathering Spot Link-Up 

MOTIVATION MONDAYS – @EMBRACINGHISWILL      SHARING HIS BEAUTY – @THEBEAUTYINHISGRIP

Titus 2 Tuesday     Share Your Stuff Tuesday    TITUS TUESDAYS @CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS     

Wordless Wednesdays    Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story  Teaching What Is Good Link-Up      

 A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up    Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday     Raising Homemakers Wednesday     A Wise Woman Builds       Wake Up Wednesday     A Little R & R Wednesday     Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party

 Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life     Thursday  Favorite Things Home and Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life

Friendship Friday 

STILL SATURDAYS @SANDRAHESKAKING     PLAYDATES @LAURABOGGESS

 My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew