Veteran’s Day with DAR/CAR

It’s Veteran’s Day! It was our honor and pleasure to meet with my sister Daughters of the American Revolution and Sage’s chapter of Children of the American Revolution. We met at the Veteran’s Affairs Campus in Los Angeles and there for a few short hours we served our veterans who have given their lives in service to us.

Giving Back

There is something very fulfilling in giving back. Many of our veterans who dedicated the better part of their lives as protectors of our nation now find themselves homeless or in shelters. It’s sad.

Soldier Conduct

Every single person we met was so grateful for not only the gifts but the smiles and the heartfelt thanks. Despite many of their circumstances, I was SO IMPRESSED with how these soldiers carried themselves. They were kind and grateful and were not greedy. They also did not warrant pity. These were proud soldiers. Several men were in wheelchairs or walkers and the younger veterans jumped to their aid to help them carry things and get food.

Little Things Mean a Lot

I was surprised how treasured these letters were. We’ve done these for years but I’ve never seen soldiers actually receive them. Not a soldier went by without picking one up. One man told me how much it meant to him to read these from kids back home. It gave him meaning and it kept him tethered knowing people were thinking about him and the others. It was moving and a beautiful reminder that one person CAN and DOES make a difference.

I felt honored to be a volunteer to serve these veterans. I was equally thrilled to show Sage how to say THANK YOU in a meaningful way to our veterans. 

History of Veterans

My family has a great deal of respect for our veterans. My sister in law served in the Army. My Step Father (who I call dad) served in the Army as well. My four grandfathers all served in World War II and the list goes on back until the American Revolution where I have counted 31 Patriots as direct ancestors serving so far. 

Homeless Vets

When I saw the state of many our vets, with no home and no family I was startled. Suddenly standing there handing out things did not seem enough and yet the simple things we were giving and just our presence was so appreciated.

Thank You

Our current world is a bit chaotic and messages are often mixed. I believe words still mean something. We’re a nation of great oration. Moved by these vets of all ages, color, and creed, I couldn’t think of a lot to say so over and over I very genuinely said THANK YOU for your service.

I know words still mean something because the gratitude shown in the smiles, and sometimes the teary eyes, in the hugs and the handshakes was very real and somehow I left feeling very full and alive. 

Keeping it Real

I love being a Daughter of the American Revolution and giving back to our community. I love raising a Child of the American Revolution who is learning how fortunate she is to grow up in The United States and all the opportunity that affords her. And learning about our genealogy, I love being able to say we live in the land of the free because of the brave and knowing my family has been a part of that awesome legacy! THANK YOU Veterans…today and always!