Life, Laughs and Ladds: Freedom is never free

On this Veteran's 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 ~

I am the proud wife and granddaughter of a Veteran. I know that that freedom never comes free and while I'm stuck at work instead of honoring my veteran today, I am thankful for those who serve and have served. Words cannot express how thankful and proud I am of my husband each and everyday he serves our country. He may not be on the battlefield everyday, but he has been there. I believe all of the armed forces are parts of a living and breathing machine of freedom and justice. I, for one, am thankful each and everyday for what they do and the families that support them.

In Flander's Field

by John McCrae

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw,
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flanders Fields.

Have you ever wondered why Veterans give out red poppies on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day? It started in 1923 to help disabled veterans earn income for their families by making these brightly colored flowers. The "Buddy Poppy" was patented and adopted in 1924 to ensure that no other organization could profit from making this artificial flower and all proceeds would to go to needy and disabled veterans. Check out this website and read all about it.

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So as you enjoy this day off from work (lucky!) remember and celebrate all those that serve and continue to serve this great nation. Thank a veteran today.