Thank You, Veterans

Thanks to the men and women of our U.S. military, past and present, for their sacrifices on our behalf.

May the families of those who have perished by blessed, and may our active duty all return home safely.

May we all strive for peace at home and abroad so fewer and maybe eventually none have to put their lives on the line.

Happy Veterans Day, all.

God Bless America, and God Bless Our Troops and Their Families

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

This day always makes me so grateful for all the blessings in my life that I didn't have to sacrifice for.
The freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America still don't come free.

Men and women serving in the military give so much, and they deserve our recognition and appreciation. And the families of those military personnel are sacrificing greatly, too.

Some don't come home, as they are called on to give the greatest sacrifice: their lives.
Tears are shed on their behalf. They will never be forgotten by those who knew them.

Thankfully, many families and friends are able to shed tears of joy for those who do return home.

That's why I loved this segment that has recently aired on ESPN a couple times:

It makes me teary-eyed every time I watch soldiers reunited with their families.

God bless this great land and those who serve to protect its freedoms.
I hope you're all able to return home safely to your families very soon!

Happy Veterans Day

Especially on a day like today, I'm so proud to have military veterans in my family.

Our US soldiers serve with honor and distinction, and I consider my dad and grandpa to be heroes.

My sister posted two great pictures of them on her blog today, and I'll share them here as well.

Pops in his fancy Naval clothes

Grandpa holding my sister

I wrote a post about my Grandpa's WWII service here, if you're interested.

Both men are/were great patriots, as are all of our beloved service men and women.

God bless them!

Need a Reason to Happy Cry? Watch This Soldier Be Reunited with His Family

If this clip of a soldier being reunited with his family doesn't fit the bill, then you don't have a heart.

Thank you for helping make this happen, University of South Carolina.

And God bless our troops and bring them safely home.

How Had I Never Heard the Story Behind Ben Affleck's New "Argo" Movie?

Have you seen the trailer for "Argo"?

I especially love that Ben Affleck's newest film is based on a true story.

Yes, the CIA used a cover story, Hollywood razzle dazzle, and the Canadian government's help in order to sneak 6 Americans out of revolutionary Tehran under the guise of being a sci-fi flick's crew.

Awesome, isn't it?

If you want to read about the heroics, you can click [here for a brief synopsis] or [here for a more comprehensive write-up].

This is one of the reasons I love movies. If not for this film being green-lighted, I'd probably never have heard of this story and the creative, extremely-gutsy efforts to save these expats.

Bonus fun fact for those still reading: Using Aerosmith's song "Dream On" in a trailer always makes me want to see a movie even more. I think it's due to my fond memories of the movie "Miracle".

Free Newseum on 9/11 Anniversary Weekend

The 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is almost here. 

Everyone will have their own way to remember, and I'm sure there will be a lot of national, community, and family ceremonies to remember the tragedies of the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and that Pennsylvania field.

If you're looking for something to do, here's one option:

See the Newseum and its 9/11 exhibit for free.

Just go to their website and claim your free tickets.

(Saturday is sold out, but tickets are still available for Sunday)

And let me know if you go, because it'd be great to see you!

Graffiti Marriage Proposal

Sorry to get your hopes up with that subject, Mom, but this isn't my proposal.

Just a good one from the interwebs.

I don't know Jeff or Caitlin, but you have to admit, this is a very clever and cute way to propose.

Had I known, I'd have taken my parents, brother, and sis-in-law to New York's East Village (Avenue A & 2nd St, to be precise) last weekend to see the mural.

So go check it out, New York friends! And pick me up a sandwich from Katz' Deli while you're in the neighborhood.

HT: Natalie Hill [her twitter] [her blog]

While we're at it, here's another one. Guess I'm just feeling sappy right now.
The video pretty much speaks for itself, but here are some keywords to start tugging at your heart-strings: baseball game, military, surprise homecoming.

You Can Be My Wingman Anytime

It's Top Gun Day!

So feel free to quote Maverick, Goose, Iceman, and even Viper or Slider all day long.

A few of my faves:

"The plaque for the alternates is down in the ladies room." -Iceman

"You don't have time to think up there. If you think, you're dead." -Maverick

"Too close for missiles, I'm switching to guns." -Maverick

"That was some of the best flying I've seen to date - right up to the part where you got killed." -Jester