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Giving Thanks For Our Freedom
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Thanksgiving is an American holiday steeped in traditions of peace, acceptance and thanks. When we think about the roots of the Thanksgiving Holiday, we are reminded that getting to a place where we can all sit at a table, celebrating in our own way, with whomever we choose, is a hard-fought freedom.
As we ponder our blessings, it is important to consider how we are able to choose our celebrations. If you don't want to celebrate Thanksgiving, you don't have to. If you want to celebrate with vegan food, you can. These every-day decisions that we don't always think of as a freedom are available because also at this time of year, our soldiers are continuing to fight for us to have simple choices. These brave men and women make enormous sacrifices for all of us, as do their spouses, children, family members and friends who are without them during the holidays. There is so much more to be thankful for when you think about it.
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The Honor Bestowed Upon Us
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Picture a Thanksgiving without the smell of a holiday feast creeping through every inch of the house. Remember the warm hugs and overly sloppy but appreciated kisses that greet you when you walk through the door. Don't forget the traditional football game on the big screen that adds to the already overwhelming excitement of the day. Think of all of your loved ones coming together in one place for this perfect excuse to be together. Now, realize that this is not the Thanksgiving picture that is painted for everyone, especially the service men and women who are half way around the world. These heroic warriors choose to surrender these irreplaceable moments with their loved ones so that other families can have them.
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A price is paid so that civilians are granted the freedom to spend the holidays with loved ones. Freedom continues to be in fact free because of the military service members who have sacrificed for all of us. They selflessly risk so much and some never return in the same state they left, whether it be physically or mentally. Unfortunately, some never return at all, leaving a void in their families that is especially difficult during the holidays.
It is not only the dangerous situations they face day in and day out, but also the extended isolation from those whom they treasure the most. The warriors are not the only ones who feel the loneliness during the holiday season, but also their family members who are without them.
What might you be thankful for this Thanksgiving? A pregnant army wife might be thankful for the continued protection of her brave husband overseas, while the husband is thankful he has the opportunity to fight for the safety and freedom of his family back home. A child might be thankful for a Thanksgiving letter from his military mother. An elderly mother might be thankful for the chance to see her son's smile over a computer screen from thousands of miles away.
During this time of year, the families of our soldiers experience thoughts of uncertainty, wondering whether they will have another holiday spent with their brave hero. It then becomes our duty to return the favor and to show our thanks to those brave warriors who do return home.
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Heroes on the Water provides veterans with therapeutic kayak fishing experiences that bring much needed peace and serenity into their lives. It is difficult for our nation's warriors to return to a society that is so different from the military life they recently left. The journey they take on the water brings them to a place of tranquility in their body and mind.
Heroes on the Water would not be able to relieve warriors of their ongoing mental and physical battles without the continued support of caring donors and volunteers. The soldiers have completed their duty for our sake and, for many, with heartbreaking consequences. Now we have an opportunity to give back to them. Wouldn't you find peace of mind knowing that our veterans are able to find much needed healing and tranquility through your support? For what we have been given by these courageous individuals, all warriors deserve a special place in our hearts...and by putting a hero on the water, you in turn will gain a special place in their hearts.
We are thankful for our freedom, honored by the service given by our military service members and veterans, and believe in giving back to those who fought for us. Thank you for making Heroes on the Water a possibility and providing our veterans a place to become whole again.
If you would like to show your gratitude to Veterans this Thanksgiving, we would certainly welcome your contribution.
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From all of us at Heroes on the Water...
we wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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Copyright � 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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Heroes on the Water is a 501(c)(3) public charity with the Guidestar Gold Exchange Sealthat relies totally on contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. |
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