As the wife of a retired Navy Veteran, Veterans Day for me has always had an element of personal touch. My husband, David, served in the US Navy for 22 years, 20 years active and 2 years in inactive reserves. My father served in the US Army Air Corps during World War 11. His two brothers also served in the US military. Our families, David’s and mine have served for many generations. I am thankful to come from a long line of service members and appreciate living in a country that has set aside this special day to honor them. Remembering them and what they fought for strengthens our faith in the one God that our nation was founded on. It should cause a desire in us to hold on to our freedom in these truths and not let them be stolen.

Our day today has been extra special and I would like to share just a snippet with you.

Our daughter Andrea and her husband Jared work at Outdoor Cap in Bentonville. They held their first Veteran Tribute today and we were invited. They did an incredible job and I’m sure everyone there felt blessed in an exceptional way. The honor and appreciation for the veterans and their families were evident through their kind words and presentation. They gave each military member the opportunity to introduce themselves, their branch of service, and when, and to share a brief memory of their time in service. There was a lot of laughter and yes, some tears from the scars of war. There were some “heroes” who spoke but overall, each who served was treated like a hero. Hats off to Outdoor Cap, no pun intended. Their first event of this kind was a great success. This will be a tough one to top next year.

So, this leads me to a question for you. Does this day hold special memories for you? Memories of your personal time of service, loved ones who served, or maybe memories you’d rather not have? Do you honor those who sacrificed so much for you to live in the best nation in the world? Does it cause you to give extra thought to their sacrifices and prayers of gratitude in this season of thanksgiving?

I would love to hear some of your thoughts. I shared more of mine in a poem that I wrote in November 2017. It is in my first book, Inspire Me, page 52. I am sharing it for all who served, are still serving, and their families. I hope you will be blessed and share it with others.

Veteran Tribute

Nov 6th, 2017      by Reba Bailes, a Navy Wife

To ALL military members, no matter branch you served

Few of you’ve been given, the thanks that you deserve,

Some of you signed up because you lacked direction

Others were from a home, where you needed protection,

Then there were those, who were simply all alone

The ones supposed to love you, where had they all gone?

Even ones required, in country’s greatest need

Signing on the line, your will you did concede.

No difference who you were, no matter where you’d been

There you were in uniform, new IDENTITY did begin.

Some caught on and quickly climbed the ladder

Others were led astray, felt none of this did matter,

And you might not be decorated, with medals of glory

Pain, scars, and nightmares are more of your service story,

But on this special day, set aside for you

You gave the best you had, our support and thanks are due.

Sacrifices, struggles, even successes, may seem to go unnoticed

Woundedness and hurt you feel, in places not remotest.

Forgive us as a nation; our neglect has let you down.

May through that forgiveness, appreciation of you be found.

And as we all move forward, honoring all of those who gave

We pray you receive your healing, and your soul our Lord will save.

Our people and our Nation, in the palm of His mighty hand

Until that fateful day, we reach the Promised Land!

May God bless ALL of You!