Our heroes: How can we honor and thank them?
This past week we commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. For those of you that are history buffs, you recognize that this was a bloody and deadly battle in the Pacific theater of World War II.
The news media shared a segment interviewing several survivors of the battle (my father was a World War II veteran so I have a special place in my heart for all veterans). During the interview, one marine survivor commented,
We were all scared. If you weren’t scared, you weren’t there.”
Marine survivor of Iwo Jima
That reminds me of what we’re all going through now. The pandemic has many of us scared. If we’re not frightened for our own health, we are worrying about our loved ones–aging parents, young children, or family working in the medical profession and other areas of high exposure.
If we are compassionate, we are also worried about those we don’t know–strangers. We care about everyone suffering and exposed to danger or death.
Those heroes of World War II preserved freedom for our country and many other parts of the world. They fought to protect those of us here at home and to protect the lives and freedom of those they didn’t know.
We now have doctors, nurses, other health care professionals, EMTs, scientists, law enforcement, National Guard, Army Corp of Engineers, suppliers in our food chain, cashiers at the grocery store, truck drivers, and many more people in harm’s way–protecting us, strangers they don’t know, from a deadly enemy.
How can we thank our heroes? How can we show our appreciation to those who are risking their lives for others?
- We can pray daily for the health and safety of all those who are working to care for the sick, protect us, and keep us supplied with essential needs.
- We can express a verbal thank you and a kind attitude whenever we are in contact with our heroes–those that are helping us through this time of trial.
- We can be kind and hopeful on social media–reaching out to lift up each other and those in the medical and service professions.
- Even though letter writing (the old fashioned way) has almost become extinct, we can send a thank you card (by snail mail) to someone that has served us.
- We can remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to others and strive to live in a way that shows our appreciation for the gifts we have received.
Perhaps you know additional ways to thank these brave men and women. Please share to help us show our appreciation to the many heroes that sacrifice for us.
It may be too late to thank veterans that have passed on, but we can thank the ones that are still living. Do you know a veteran? It isn’t necessary to wait until Veteran’s Day to share our appreciation.
Thank you veterans–you are my heroes.
And, for all of us going through this pandemic, thank you for your part in working through this. We can all pray, we can all reach out to help others in need, and try to stay at home as much as possible. We can all be kind.
Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:2-5
Excellent suggestions to honor those on the front lines of the pandemic. I can add one.
Do our part to keep the virus from spreading. Stay home as much as possible. Stay away from crowds. Wash hands and disinfect grocery carts.
By doing our bit, it will help those who are overwhelmed by the needs by flattening the curve.
These actions are so important to protect everyone. Thank you for reminding us, Jeanne. Prayers for safety and good health!
Well said Ms. Katherine. Perhaps sad that we have to go through a pandemic to remember to show kindness and gratitude to others. Am so blessed to know friends like you who remind us of the greatness within us. In my mind, I can’t compare this to war, but I do understand how strong an emotion fear can be. Let us remember that our faith is stronger than our fear my friend. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and be kind. God’s blessings ma’am.
If I remember correctly, my friend, you are a veteran. Thank you for your service. It takes a strong, dedicated, and loving person to have the courage to put their life in danger for the rest of us. Now you serve in a different way, showing me and others the sacrificial life of a Christian, giving of yourself daily. Wishing you continued blessings.
I have a special place in my heart for those in the military as well, as many family members have served. Thank you for this post in honor of them and those serving on the frontlines of this virus! Thanks for the tips, too. 🙂
Thank you, Emily. Like you, I believe in the importance of our ongoing recognition and support of those who’ve risked their life to protect and serve. Prayers for good health and safety for you and your family.
Thank you, Katherine, for the suggestions to show our gratitude who don’t have the option of staying home and staying safe. Thank you, also, for remembering our military (particularly J.D.). They are selfless in all that they do to keep us safe & secure. May God’s blessings continue to pour down on you and your family. Know that you have friends who love you.
Thank you for your encouragement and support, Diane. When we are going through hard times, it’s so comforting to know that we have loving and faithful friends lifting us up to God. Thank you, dear friend. May God protect you and J.D. and all the Cross-Dubya family.
Great parallels here, Katherine! These heros, far and near, big and small, are at the top of my prayer list. I love the idea of writing an old-fashioned thank you letter.
I think the old-fashioned letter is almost a lost art. I don’t know how I would have survived college without my mother’s weekly letters. I know email is more convenient and texting is faster, but there’s something about that hand written letter that brings us closer together. Wishing you good health and safety, my friend. Thank you for praying for our heroes.