Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran's Day! Today we honor those who have served, are serving and will serve. We honor their sacrifices and their families sacrifices. Because of them we have our Freedom. Every Veteran's Day I take time to think of my mom’s father who served. Unfortunately, I was never able to meet him due to him passing away when my mom was in High School. However, for many years I have pictured in my head growing up sitting on his lap as a child listening to his stories from his time serving. Today and everyday it is important for us to think about our Military and all they do for us no matter how big or small they feel their impact is. I feel all too often when I thank someone who is in the service, they brush it off or say it's "no big deal". Truthfully, it is a big deal to serve our Country no matter what you do and how you do it.

In Minnesota we had school on Veteran's Day and I loved having my students write letters to those serving. My best friend from High School married into the Military and I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet many service men and women through her and her husband. In 2018, I sent letters and pictures from my students to two deployed Airman who were serving overseas in different countries and to one who was stationed in Mississippi. They handed out the pictures and letters to others in the service at their bases. It was so fun for my students to make the pictures and letters and to see on the map where they were going. My district in Arizona actually gives us Veterans' Day off to allow for those in the service to spend the day with their families celebrating.

One of the greatest experiences I have had is living on a Military base in Mississippi. I was able to go to their gym, use the pool on base, visit and shop at the BX, participated in a few events on base such as a pool party and wine tasting, and made some great memories while meeting a lot of new people! Seeing a glimpse of Military life on base was a unique experience I am grateful for considering I am not a spouse or family member. Instead, I was staying with my best friend while her husband was stationed overseas. I am so thankful for the experience and that I was able to be there for her!

I hope and pray every Veteran remembers their contribution to the United States and is proud of themselves. Today we honor them and their families. Happy Veteran's Day!

~Marissa