November is the month of Thanksgiving, a day to reflect on the blessings in our lives and the spirit of giving. It reminds us to appreciate not only what we have, but also the people that have protected and enriched our community and our lives. November is also the month of Veterans Day. This month, and throughout the year, we are thankful to our veterans. Their bravery reminds us that freedom is earned, protected, and passed on by those willing to serve. The heartfelt gratitude expressed below is from the League of Women Voters of Manatee County members and their supporters.
Our veterans risked their lives to keep our freedom. From my father to all the others, I give hearty thanks and gratitude and will fight to keep it. Susan Fingerman
Every aspect of the life I’ve enjoyed was made possible by the protection of Veterans for my way of life. I know from the service of my grandfather, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, two sons-in-law, and five uncles what sacrifice they made for our democracy. I am thankful to all veterans for their protection and give them my heartfelt gratitude. Ruth Harenchar
I’m thankful for our veterans who gave up memories they could have made with their families so we could make our own with ours. Their sacrifices echo in every quiet, safe morning we wake up to. I carry that gratitude every day. Dr. Janine Gregor, D.B.A.
I am thankful for their courage and bravery. I am thankful for the sacrifices they and their families have made. All to protect our country, constitution and our rights. Barb McCrea
I am deeply thankful for our veterans — the brave men and women who sacrifice their time, their families, and sometimes their very lives to protect ours. Their courage and selflessness remind us what true service and love of country look like. We owe them more than words can ever express. Kathleen Thomas
Our veterans give their time, devotion, and honor to protect each of us and our country. They take time away from their families to do this. We need to also be thankful for their families who are willing to share their family member. Dale Otterman
The Greatest Generation of veterans saved us from fascism in World War II and liberated the concentration camps. For that, I will be eternally grateful. Let us hope that those who currently serve will follow their solemn oath to uphold our Constitution in these dangerous times, no matter the pressure from would-be tyrants. Robin Taub Williams
Veterans have put themselves in harms way for over two hundred years, many times with little thanks. Even in peace time, every American citizen can sleep well at night knowing the Army, Navy, Marines, and Airforce are at the ready. Thank you for serving and may the government always ensure you are taken care of following your service. Judy Kreiling
As a veteran I am especially proud of those who have served and have come to understand the uselessness and stupidity of most wars. Thank you Veterans Against the War, veterans who fight climate change because it is a national security threat, veterans who protect against our current anti-democratic regime. “It is always the old who lead us to wars, it is always the young who die” WP Maturo
Veterans have put themselves in harm’s way to preserve our way of life. We owe it to them to unite and rise for democracy and the freedoms they have fought to safeguard. Dr. Barbara J. Ehren
Without the selfless sacrifices of veterans, our country would not be what it is today. We the people owe it to our veterans to work tirelessly to maintain our democracy and build each other up. Meagan Milne
Dear Veterans: For your courage and sacrifice for our freedom and putting yourselves on the front line of military conflicts, knowing that your own life could be in jeopardy and those of other veterans you served with too. For our medical, intelligence and all other roles that veterans served in, even if not direct combat, thank you too. It takes a special person to do any these roles effectively, standing up for a country that is as diverse as ours. I thank you for protecting us, even if we don’t agree politically. I support your right to have honor, dignity, which includes quality medical care, and housing when you are no longer active service members. God Bless, Tracy Maus
I am very thankful for our veterans for many reasons. First off, many left their wives, children, jobs, friends, and others to serve our country and protect everyone’s freedoms and values that make us and the US what we all are today. Second, they took valuable time to serve our country that they cannot get back. And lastly everyone who served in the military either in peace or war time gave something of themselves that is of value: whether it be an arm, leg or other limbs due to injuries, many gave up their youth and years of high earnings to be in our country’s service. And still others gave up their peace in the future as they currently now suffer from PTSD and other disorders all to help protect our American Way. Christopher W. Carman
He was a Navy Seal at the Battle of Normandy. Carrying ammunition on shore, he took a bullet to his elbow. He continued and was awarded the Silver Medal, Gold Medal and a Medal from the Country of France. All Veterans deserve thanks and respect. Barbara Angelucci
