ABBY’S CORNER | Service
Honoring Our VETERANS!!
I want to start out this post by looking at the definition of “Honor.” According to www.dictionary.com the definition of honor is: “a source of credit or distinction: to be an honor to one’s family. high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor.”
When I reflect on this word I sit up straighter, feel proud, and hold an incredible amount of respect and gratitude. So many powerful feelings in one word. Combine it with the amazing women and men in this country that took the definition and turned it to protect and serve us. I mean really sit with this. I don’t know about you, but it makes me want to re-focus and take a stand for the sacrifices they CHOSE to make for our Freedom and the adjusting that took place after their service.
I love what Mary Beth Bruggeman had to say here, “When I returned home from serving on active duty, when I took my uniform off for the last time, I felt like I’d removed my purpose right along there with the uniform,” said Mary Beth, who served eight years in the Marine Corps as a combat engineer.
Bruggeman was deployed to Iraq, where she led more than 100 Marines and dozens of vehicles across the border during the Iraq invasion. Yet, when all of that was over, she felt empty.
“So, for me, finding a way to serve again was the thing I really needed and the other challenges I had that I was facing in my life came after the ability to really find and connect back to that purpose,” Bruggeman said.
Bruggeman is the current president of “The Mission Continues”
Honor Through Action
Our normal practice is to get out in social settings to Honor our Heroes, and I know it can feel as if you are removed. One lesson I have learned here is that Mary felt the same way when re-discovering herself. She is not letting the social restrictions stand in the way of her newfound voice! She has started a social media campaign that I just love and is so fun!
How it works, this Veteran’s Day, its latest mission is on social media through the hashtag “Honor Through Action” campaign alongside USAA. The way it works is simple. Draw a V on the palm of your hand, feature initials of a special veteran whom you’d like to honor, and share it on social media.
Social media campaign launched to virtually honor veterans
There are so many ways we can show-up and celebrate our Veterans and their families. Let us be a strong voice and show them we have the highest amount of RESPECT for making the choice to be selfless!!!
If you are not on social media, there are several organizations that you can support, check them out here:
Please share with us how you are honoring our brave men and women that serve our Country!
Love and Honor is in the air!!! ~Abby
Image Description:
Image is a replica of the iconic photo of U.S. Marines raising the American flag atop Iwo Jima’s highest point. Text reads “To our brave soldiers | We honor you for your service | We are forever grateful for your courage and dedication in protecting our nation.”