Veteran's Day Parade in Birmingham, Alabama

Hubby had a great idea the other day. We're planning on going to the Veteran's Day Parade in Birmingham this year. We both have fond childhood memories of those parades...well, at least I do. Hubby remembers marching with the ROTC in this long parade when he was in high school...not really a fond memory.

I just remember going to watch it year after year, mostly with my Daddy. School let out half day back then, so children could see it. They're out the whole day now. It is a BIG DEAL in B'ham, since ours is the oldest Veteran's Day Parade in the USA. Daddy would get off work, because the parade route blocked off his downtown office building, so I remember him taking me. I don't have any specific memories of what I saw, but I sure do remember how freezing cold it was as a child and how excited I always was. Now I know I will bundle up to be outside tomorrow, but hubby will be in short sleeves. It just hasn't been really cold here yet. And I'm excited about the thought of going, too.

I'm proud of the fact that Birmingham makes such a production of this parade, because our Veterans sure deserve all the recognition we can give them. So, even if you don't go to a parade tomorrow, I hope you find a Veteran to thank or some way to show your appreciation.

I Salute YOU on Veteran's Day, 2009

Here's a great big THANK YOU to all those who have chosen to serve their country in the military. And I'd also like to thank all those family members, who are left behind to deal with everyday life while they are missing their loved ones, for your sacrifice. There's no possible way that I can imagine what you go through each day.

But my prayers and thoughts on this Veteran's Day go out most emphatically to those of you whose family members paid the ultimate measure of devotion to their country, their lives. We are free because of them, and no amount of thank you's can be enough.

Since they sacrificed so much, I pray that their blood will not have been spilled in vain. I pray that our President will give our troops the support they need ... or bring them home.

Amen