The Front Lines of Gratitude

As we cradle the close of Veterans Day, I find myself falling into a sentimental haze of reflective appreciation. 

This holiday conveys such a delicate intimacy.  Such closeness.  How apropos of it to fall alongside Thanksgiving as it sets the table for grace. 

I can’t help but feel stirred.  Beholden.  Overcome by those who’ve bled bravery over the years.  The soldiers.  The sailors.  The airmen.  Marines. 

The 1.3 active military members and the 19 million who have accompanied them. 

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Fun Fact:

Veterans Day does not have an apostrophe in it. 

Why not, you ask? . . . Because it isn’t a day that belongs to veterans, rather a day for honoring them.

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I’ve always been a ‘flower in the gun’ kinda girl.  A lover not a fighter.  Peace not war, please.  That’s me.  That’s who I am and who I will be, always. 

But at the same time, I’m grateful.  Grateful for the loyalty and sacrifice that’s extracted from each service member who risks their existence for our liberties.

There are no honors plentiful enough to properly commend this courage.

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Did You Know?  

In 2021, about 1.4 million veterans were living in Texas, the most out of any other state.  The top five states with the highest veteran population, including the Lone Star State are: Florida, California, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

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We all know someone who has fought with such fortitude.  Family, friends, acquaintances alike.  They should all be acknowledged and remembered as the

embodiment of heroism, because that’s what they are.  Heroes, with a capital H. 

This Thanksgiving we would like to send our humble gratitude to all the valiant military members and their courageously devoted families. 

There are no words for your faithful allegiance and beautifully unwavering sacrifice.  We are infinitely indebted to each and every one of you. 

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“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ JFK

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An Extra Special Thank You . . .   

I would like to express my most heartfelt appreciation for Hugh Edward Eagleton, a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War, a Life Member of the VFW Post, and the loving father to my better half, Jonathan. 

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Hugh received his naval commission and later became a Captain in the Naval Reserves.

Captain Hugh E. Eagleton passed away on one of the days he loved most... Veterans Day.  Thursday, November 11, 2021. 

He will forever be remembered.  Forever be missed.  Forever be loved.

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Did You Know?

Dapper Yankee Offers Year-Round Hero Discounts for First Responders, Military & Teachers!  Learn more about Dapper Yankee Hero Discounts