Honor and Thank our Veterans November 11

without thanking all the veterans on 43things. I don’t know very many, only DJ, Bill and AbbeyNormal come to mind right now, but the rest of you know who you are, and I thank you for your sacrifice in the name of freedom!!!

P.S. I should also have mentioned that my dad is a veteran, serving in the Army post Korean War, so he did not see combat. Thanks, Dad!!!

I bought three Veterans Day cards, and I sent one to a friend in Iraq, one to my father-in-law, and and gave the last one to my husband. My father-in-law (a WWII vet) was really touched; he said no one had ever sent him a Veterans Day card before.

and for all of those that served in the Vietnam War. For those that had the courage to fight in the war, and those that had the courage to fight against the war. No matter where you were- it affected your life and that of your family and friends. I honor all of you!

My mom was only 8 years old when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and her three older brothers went off to war. Two of my uncles, Jackson and Doug were in the army and fought in Europe. My other uncle, Phil, enlisted in the Navy and was a tail gunner in the Pacific, serving on the Hornet and the Intrepid. Uncle Phil is quite a history buff, has a remarkable memory, and is a gifted story teller, so I have had many a first-hand account of what it was like to be on a battleship in the Pacific fighting the Japanese.

I also grew up learning what it was like for the folks back at home, a young girl suddenly without her three brothers and a mother who bravely and without reservation sent all of her sons off to war knowing that she might never see them again. My grandmother saved all of the letters my uncles wrote back home to their parents and sister, and those provided yet another lesson in history.

My mother was very fortunate to have all three of her brothers return from the war (and they are still alive today). Several of their classmates did not, including Harold Spatz, who fought in Doolittle Raid, where he was captured and executed by the Japanese.

Yesterday, my Uncle Phil was honored by the city at the school’s Veteran’s Day celebration for carrying the flag every year since 1946 in the local Memorial Day services. The picture above is from the 4th of July parade this summer, where he also carries the flag (the last two years on horseback)!!!

The hockey team I work for (part-time) has proclaimed tomorrow’s game is Salute to the Military night. Service members and their families will carry a huge American flag onto the ice before the game. Hubby (also a vet) and I will participate.

My class made cards for Alison Miller (who is currently serving in Iraq). I hope they make her day ;)

In addition, I thank Y.A. my newest positive, supportive, encouraging, delightful friend, for his service in the Marines~

My Granddad was in World War II… my Dad and uncle were both in the Vietnam War. Then there are the family friends who served. I can call my Granddad and one of the family friends…

Though Alison is currently serving in Afghanistan (not a veteran yet), I’ll still acknowledge her service with another care package~

Looking in from the outside, it would appear that the way most Americans honour veterans is through consumerism. At least with Christmas and Easter there is a sense of gift giving, but the sales on Veterans Day are purely selfish in nature. Same holds true for Memorial Day.

There are enough small business people on 43things to start a grass roots effort to change the commerical nature of Veterans Day. There’s enough brain power here to come up with ideas that actually honor veterans while not coming across as “anti-business.”

Personally, I would be more motivated to shop on Veterans Day if I knew a percentage of all sales from that day were going to support veterans charities. I’d be motivated to shop. Businesses would get publicity AND a deductible donation.

For next year I will have something in place for my company – not sure what it will be yet, but I have about 9 months to plan for it. Perhaps some others can come up with ideas for their companies – and yes – even an effort made by a small coffee shop CAN make a difference.

Here’s to truly honoring the Veterans!

It’s my understanding that a formal reading of all of the names of those who died in Iraq and Afghanistan has only been done once before as a protest to the war.

We’ll be reading all of the names at Grace Church Nutley neither in support or protest to the war, but rather to honour and remember those who died.

Names of the dead will be read by clergy and veterans. I have been selected to by an alternate reader should there be a need for a substitute.

Every Sunday, as a part of the Prayers of the People, we read the names of the soldiers who died during the past week in the service of our country. This Veterans Day, Saturday November 11th, we will read the almost 3,500 names of the men and women who have died serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The service begins at 12 Noon with the Color Guard of Seton Hall University ROTC. The Colors will be retired by the Army National Guard and with the playing of Taps.

The service continues all day inside the church with the local clergy from all faiths, town officials, and veterans reading the names of the deceased. People are welcome to come and go as their schedules dictate. We expect the reading of names to take until 5:45 pm.

Grace Church in Nutley (Episcopal) 200 Highfield Lane Nutley NJ 07110 http://grace-nutley.dioceseofnewark.org/index.html