Thank You & God Bless America!

To all who serve, to all who have served and to all their wonderful families who have also sacrificed so much.... Thank You and God Bless You.

Today I will spare you of my ramblings on a healthier lifestyle and the issues we face in achieving that lifestyle, because today we recognize those that have served and fought for the freedoms we enjoy that give us the right to live any way we choose.

Veterans Day is a day to remember and recognize all who have proudly served their country, past and present.  Our men and women from all branches of service who have, are and will, fight to defend our freedom.  Freedom that has already cost many lives, with many more willing to give their lives in the fight for America.

Of course in a perfect world, there would be no need for soldiers and peacetime would be... All the time. But we don't live in a perfect world do we. There are those that would bring the fight to America if we didn't help bring peace abroad.  There are those that would flex their muscle in intimidation, if we didn't step in to provide strength to the weak.  No, the world is far from perfect. Even here at home there are those that would dishonor the very soldiers who died to give them the freedom to cause pain, to the families mourning the loss of those soldiers, through disrespectful words and protests at military funerals.

The world may not be perfect, but even as many are struggling to make ends meet, faced with foreclosure, unemployment or the loss of health insurance, there is still a strong sense of pride among Americans for our fighting men & women. Quite possibly, stronger than ever before.  Before social media, we had only the newspapers, radio and TV to rely on, with only the negative side of any story.  Today more than ever, we are seeing a strong movement to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of our soldiers.  Whether you believe in the military actions or not, things are now more personalized.  You can now see real soldiers and real families affected.  You can now hear real stories. You can now show your pride in more ways than ever before and share with more people than ever before.  Today, more than ever before, America is reaching out to our military.

And today, more than ever before, for me Veterans Day is extra special.  For I get the honor of speaking to a large group of Veterans at a Veterans Home in LaSalle Illinois. I get to share the amazing story of how social media has reached people around the world who are reaching out to offer thanks for their service.

To all who read this, whether it is Veterans Day or any other day, please:

• Take time to thank a soldier. They are all around us and most have been through quite a lot.  
• Take the time to explain to your children the true meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.  With the constant struggle over the words "under God", the real message in the pledge can be lost and the pledge itself, routine without meaning. A great description of the pledge for children was done by Red Skelton in 1969.  To see it, click here Pledge of Allegiance.
• Also, if you are like me and are moved by music, crank up the sound and click here "God Bless the USA".  Don't forget to share.

To all who serve, to all who have served and to all their wonderful families who have also sacrificed so much.... Thank You and God Bless You.