Last year, our church presented a commemorative coin to each veteran in the two morning services along with the invitation to stop by the visitor's center to pick up additional coins for distribution to our friends and relatives who served our country in the Armed Forces.
We counted the number of vets in our family and gathered up 10 more coins. Each one was distributed personally throughout the year, the last 4 in September to my brother, father-in-law, his brother and his son. Each coin came in a small white gift box with a red, white and blue ribbon attached.
Uncle Ron, a WWII Navy veteran, said this is the first thing he's ever received recognizing his service.
Each coin is inscribed "A Grateful Nation Thanks You" and the reverse side, "In Appreciation of your Courage and Sacrifice to Protect our Freedom."
Back in '91, at the end of the Gulf War, our church presented a program titled "American Homecoming" - an evening of music and drama. I was in the choir as well as one of the drama presentations. As the program came to a finish, veterans in the service were asked to stand as the orchestra played the songs of their branch of the service. I proudly stood as Anchors Aweigh filled the worship center.
After the program, a young lady came up to me and said, "Thank You for your service to our country." Her words didn't sink in until I got home and gave more thought to hearing "Thank You."
A flood of tears came upon me when I realized that that was the first time I ever heard those words from someone who actually took the time to say it. Twenty four years after my separation from active duty.
Looking back, from that day forward, whenever I have seen someone wearing a ball cap or other garment reflecting that person's military service, they will receive a Thank You from me. Even last weekend, I had the opportunity to extend the greeting to two WWII veterans at the grocery store. One of those gentleman commented, this is about the third or fourth time someone has offered those words.
Thank a Vet every chance you get, y'all. Your words of gratitude and encouragement may be the first time he or she has heard it. They deserve nothing less.
moving story Dave. How nice your congregation makes this an emphasis. Too many churches don't want to "mess w/politics" as they see it. Sad, very sad. Ours does some token things.. memorial day, 4th July.