Blessed and Thankful

  • Published
  • By Maj. Michael Marshall
  • 117th Maintenance Squadron Commander

The month of November is a month set aside by our nation to remember our blessings and to give thanks for them.  There are two federal holidays in November, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day.  Veterans Day is set aside to say thank you to the men and women that have sacrificed so much for our nation and to remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Thanksgiving Day is a day for our nation to thank God for all of our many blessings.

As I marched down the streets of Birmingham in the Veterans Day parade, I heard cheers of “thank you” or “thank you for your service.”  I saw countless sign with the words “Thank You!” written on them.  I could not help but smile and walk with a bit more pride on that day.

It is nice to know that people are thankful for what you and I do. They know that they live a better life because of what we do.  They have freedom, prosperity and their families are safer every day because of you.  There are many things that divide our nation today; however, people of every ethnicity, race, religion and political persuasion rally around their veterans.

When you and I wear our uniform, we represent a great hope for the citizens of our nation.  We represent something that is bigger than ourselves.  We represent everyone that has worn this uniform in the past and we inspire others to want to wear it in the future. 

In our everyday service to our country we sometimes get stuck in the mundane, the unimportant and the less notable part of our duties.  We can get so focused on the negatives that come with our service that we forget about the greatness that comes because of it.  As our nation pauses to remember and be thankful, please take time to do the same.  

I am blessed beyond measure to have the opportunity to wear this uniform and serve my nation.  I am blessed to be able to worship my God, live in freedom and to pass on this hope to my three sons.  I know it is because of Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers just like you that I am able to do these things.  This Thanksgiving my family and I would like to say, Thank You, to you and your families for all that you do for us.