As I was sitting here at my desk this morning, working on GreatfulMoments.com and thinking about everything I needed to get done today, it dawned on me that today was a holiday. Unfortunately, for the life of me, I couldn’t remember which holiday it was. Laughing out loud.
As I started looking around online, I realized today was Veterans Day. And that’s when I stopped to think about just how much this day means to me and my family. For some people, Veterans Day might be just another day on the calendar. Maybe it’s a day off work, a day when the banks are closed, or a day when the mail doesn’t come.
But for me, it’s so much more than that. It’s a day to remember my dad, my father-in-law, and all the men and women who made the decision to serve our country. Two fathers, two Veterans, and a lifetime of memories. My dad served in Vietnam. My father-in-law, David Sr., served our country and was stationed in Germany.
Both of these men are no longer with us, and I wish I could pick up the phone today and tell them thank you one more time. My dad’s military service is part of my own story, too. In fact, I was born at Carswell Air Force Base here in Texas. When I think about that, I realize just how closely my family’s history is connected to military life. And then there’s David’s dad, Pa, as we called him.
We lost Pa this year, and this is our first Veterans Day without him. That makes today a little different for our family. I think about the life he lived, the family he helped build, and the memories he left behind. And I think about my own dad and the life he gave our family.
Without these two men, David and I wouldn’t be here today, and neither would the families we’ve built together. That’s something I never want to take for granted. Our Family’s Military connections don’t end there As I sat thinking about Veterans Day, I realized how many people in our family have served.
There’s my brother-in-law Mike and our daughter Leslie’s husband, Toby. And then there are the friends we’ve known over the years who have served in the military. Some may have served overseas. Others may have served closer to home. Some may love talking about their military experiences, while others would rather keep those memories private.
Every one of them has a story. And every one of them deserves our thanks. I don’t think we always realize how many veterans are part of our everyday lives until we stop and think about it. They may be our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, neighbors, or friends. They may be the person standing beside us in the grocery store or sitting across from us at church. And sometimes we don’t even know they’ve served.
I know we’re all busy. Believe me, sitting here looking at everything I need to accomplish today, I understand how easy it is to get caught up in our routines. But today isn’t about how much work I get done or how many articles I publish. It’s about remembering the people who served our country and the sacrifices they and their families made. It’s about remembering my dad and Pa. It’s about thanking Mike and Toby. And it’s about recognizing the countless veterans whose names I may never know.
Some of our veterans are still here with us. Others have gone on before us, leaving behind families who carry their memories in their hearts. And while Veterans Day honors everyone who has served, living or deceased, I believe it’s also a beautiful opportunity to remember the veterans in our own families who are no longer with us.
A Veterans Day Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today, we come to You with grateful hearts as we remember and honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Thank You for their courage, their dedication, and their willingness to serve. Please watch over the veterans who are still with us. Bring comfort to those who are struggling, healing to those who are hurting, and peace to those carrying memories that may be difficult to share.
Bless their families, who have also made sacrifices along the way. And Lord, today I especially want to thank You for my dad and my father-in-law, David Sr. Although they are no longer here with us, their love, their service, and the families they helped build will never be forgotten. Help us remember that saying thank you doesn’t cost us anything, but those two simple words can mean so much.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From Our Family to Yours, Thank You
If there’s one thing I’d like everyone to take away from this article today, it’s this: Please take a moment to thank a veteran. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. You don’t have to buy a gift or plan a celebration. Just pick up the phone, send a message, shake someone’s hand, or take a few minutes to listen to their story if they’re willing to share it. And if the veteran you’re thinking about is no longer here, take a moment to remember them and the difference they made in your life.
Today, I’m remembering my dad and Pa with love. I’m thanking Mike, Toby, and every veteran who has served our country. And I’m remembering that the freedom and opportunities we enjoy today are connected to the service and sacrifices of generations before us.
Happy Veterans Day from our family at GreatfulMoments.com.
Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifices. And thank you for the memories and legacies you’ve given your families.
Do you have a veteran in your family or a friend you’d like to recognize today? I’d love for you to share their name or a special memory in the comments so we can honor them together.
GreatfulMoments.com
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
