Veteran's Day

Having two very close men to me has brought me closer to the love and importance of Veteran's Day. This holiday is a day to remember those men and women who have fought for our country. Many of these men and women have families at home. As they fought and defended our country, they prayed and hoped every day that they would return safely.

My father is one of these men. After serving a tour in Iraq for 15 months, he returned home. About a year later, he was deployed again to Iraq for another 15 months. This was hard for my family but knowing the importance of it and how grateful I am of his return has brought peace and joy to my heart.

Yesterday, Paris was attacked. Many were killed and many others were taken hostage. This devastating act in Paris is another thought that has crossed my mind. I am so grateful for those willing to undergo these hard trials and acts. I have a few friends from France and although they are here in the States, their friends and families are there in France, going through this hard time in their home country.

This act has united our world together just as 9/11 did years ago. #prayforparis is flooding social media, profile pictures have been changed to the French flag, and indeed, today, we are all French just as the world was all Americans many years ago when 9/11/ occurred.

I am so blessed to have my family together and although many families aren't, I know they will be. The lesson this week is that I need to show my patriotism more. Patriotism is taken for granted and is not shown much in our nation as much as it once did.

We, as a people, must gather together and unite to show the love of our nation and our world. We never know what will happen.

Just as I stood as a little girl waiting for my dad to return home for over two years, we must wait patiently and do all we can to support and show our love and patriotism while we can.