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Thank you for your service...

7/4/2020

21 Comments

 
The Fourth of July was a favorite holiday of my parents. Both of them proudly served during WWII, mom as a "Rosie the Riveter", dad in the Navy. They were modest people and rarely talked about their experience, but their respect for our country was apparent. Like many in the Fifties, they had little but gave everything. They lived their truth and it became mine. 

No matter where we live, we have traveled through sorrows and joys to arrive at this one defining moment. With fireworks blasting and riots threatening, we hope and pray for a tomorrow that unites and does not divide. So it is that in the midst of confusion and violence, I pause and offer thanksgiving to all who serve.

Thank you - to my husband and brother and brother-in-laws for their service during Vietnam. Thank you - to all my cousins and nephews who serve or have served in the Middle East. Thank you - to my nephew in the Border Patrol and to my nephews who serve or have served in the police force. Thank you - to all those in my extended family who are or were in the medical profession. Thank you - to those teachers in the family who are trying to make a difference.

Thank you - to all near and far who have withstood hardship, embraced sacrifice, and held tight to hope - for our country, for our families, and for our tomorrows. 
21 Comments
Julie J.
7/4/2020 10:23:29

Thanks Gwen - loved your reflection!

Reply
Gwen Plano
7/4/2020 13:17:08

Thank you, dear Julie. Blessings, Gwen

Reply
Shawn Butters
7/4/2020 10:40:44

Great words Gwen. I am so proud and thankful to be a part of this family

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Gwen Plano
7/4/2020 13:16:35

Thank you so much, Shawn. We've much to be proud of. ♥

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Susan T
7/4/2020 11:10:05

A heartfelt blog post and I am in complete agree with your post and Shawn!'s.

Reply
Gwen Plano
7/4/2020 13:17:39

Thank you so much, Susan. ♥

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Kathleen Pooler link
7/5/2020 02:56:54

What a beautiful, heartfelt reflection, Gwen, filled with courage and hope.In the midst of all this chaos, we really do have much to be thankful for. God Bless you and America.

Reply
Gwen Plano
7/5/2020 03:30:20

Thank you, dear Kathy. Bless you. ♥

Reply
John Howell link
7/5/2020 07:15:46

A beautiful statement of how we all should feel about those who have served. It is distressing to see the narrative drift away from this gratitude. Well done, Gwen.

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Gwen Plano
7/5/2020 17:43:14

Thank you, John... It is distressing, sometimes overwhelmingly sad.

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Karen Ingalls link
7/5/2020 09:15:29

The 4th of July is a day of celebration and gratitude. During these difficult times it is all the more important to celebrate our liberties and honor the sacrifices of those who have and are serving.
Great post, Gwen.

Reply
Gwen Plano
7/5/2020 17:44:15

Thank you, dear Karen. It's easy to get distracted by all that is going on, but gratitude pulls us back to our hearts. ♥

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Jan Sikes
7/5/2020 14:08:50

A beautiful post, Gwen. Thank you for sharing and reminding us what it's all about!

Reply
Gwen Plano
7/5/2020 17:44:57

Thank you, Jan. I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July. ♥

Reply
Jill Weatherholt link
7/6/2020 14:20:49

Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute, Gwen. I hope you had a wonderful July 4th. <3

Reply
Gwen Plano
7/7/2020 08:07:16

Thank you, Jill. It was lovely. ♥

Reply
Miriam Hurdle link
7/7/2020 02:02:03

This is a wonderful tribute, Gwen! Thank you for your family's contribution of services!

Reply
Gwen Plano
7/7/2020 08:07:59

Thank you, Miriam. We all have so much to be grateful for... ♥

Reply
Vashti Quiroz-Vega link
7/7/2020 06:06:29

A lovely post, Gwen. Sometimes we all need a reminder. Thank you for sharing.
❤️🤍💙

Reply
Gwen Plano
7/7/2020 08:08:34

Thank you, Vashti. Big hugs! ♥

Reply
mark Bierman link
7/15/2020 07:19:28

You have much to be proud of Gwen I pray for peace in you r great nation. I'm just north of your border, so we watch it all on the news. Stay safe,

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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