Happy 4th of July!

The 4th of July is a time for celebration with family and friends; we go to barbeques and view local firework displays; we attend parades and enjoy time off from work. Something we should always bear in mind on this day is that thanks to brave members of our armed services, we continue to enjoy the luxury of living in a free country. It's easy to get wrapped up in the mundane concerns of daily life, concerning ourselves primarily with parties and food on the grill. Yet away from friends and family, there are Americans serving in combat zones overseas- afraid and anxious to get back home.

So easily we forget what some have gone through, so that we may enjoy freedom and equality in our country. Remember those who have gone before us to preserve that freedom, and those who continue to do so.

8-Spoked Salute

Many local sports organizations make an effort to honor our nation's military. On the 4th of July, the Red Sox surprised a sailor's family by flying her in from the ship she was stationed on; the Patriots and Celtics both salute members of the armed forces at games, as well as through team-sponsored fundraisers; but for me, the world-champion Boston Bruins have done more than any of these teams combined.

The Boston Bruins and Mass State Lottery teamed up to honor our nation's heroes in a program they call "The 8-Spoked Salute to the Troops." Upon hearing of this fantastic opportunity in December of last year, I did some more research. All you had to do to nominate a service member was to submit a 500-word or less essay and a picture to the Bruins online. If chosen, the Bruins provide 4 tickets to a home game along with free merchandise, and the selected military member is introduced on the jumbotron.

At the time, my boyfriend- the biggest Bruins fan I know- was serving with the United States Marine Corps in Marjah, Afghanistan. When I saw what I had to do, I immediately jumped at the opportunity and submitted a picture and essay to nominate my boyfriend. Well, he was chosen! I received a call about 2 weeks after he came home in January, and he was honored at a game in early February. It was an incredible experience, and I know that neither of us will ever forget it. Below is a video from the game...enjoy!

Wear Your Support

This past week, I created a t-shirt which aimed to gain support for our troops. I made the shirt and design on Zazzle.com, a website I had never heard of nor used before. I would most certainly use it again though!

It was fantastic; the site was easy to use, and the t-shirt came out better than I could have hoped for. I have attached pictures of the final product, so that you can see for yourselves. I saw that the site also offers the option for users to create an online store full of their designs, which I thought was very interesting. Who knows, maybe I'll create a store with all different "Support Our Troops" designs!

In addition, I'll also include a link to another blog in which I explain my design. Let me know what you think!

Positive Images

There are plenty of images online that depict positive support for the troops. Some are simple; some are more creative. No matter what is presented in the picture, the message is clear. Here are a few of my favorites:

Memorial Day

Thank you to all of the brave men and women who serve- and have served- in our nation's armed forces. On this day, we recognize Americans who have given the ultimate sacrifice; because of these heroes, we are able to enjoy the freedom and security of life in America. Never forget...

"All gave some, some gave all."

Memorial Day
C. W. Johnson

We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen soldiers lay.
And listened to the bugle
As TAPS began to play.

The Chaplin led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low.
And I thought of fallen comrades
I had known so long ago.

They came from every city
Across this fertile land.
That we might live in freedom.
They lie here 'neath the sand.

I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small.
I only lost a little time
But these men lost their all.

Now the services are over
For this Memorial Day.
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say,

Thanks for what you've given
No one could ask for more.
May you rest with God in heaven
From now through evermore.