Sunday, December 16, 2007

A Contest That Also Says Thank You

Today is a beautiful day. I am surrounded by the incredible bounty that my life as an American has enabled my family to obtain. I have a loving husband, four wonderful daughters, and a home that is filled with so much love, that it spills over to our furry and feathery family members. Looking into our nine year old dog, Becca's eyes, I can see all of the love and joy that life has provided, reflected back at me.

Last week, I was reading the blog of a blogging friend of mine. Hallie, from The Wonderful World of Wieners(you can find her link under my favorite places to visit). She has a son who just earned his position as an Airman First Class in our Air Force. CJ is a very smart and likable young man, who is using his life to serve our country. What sparked me to write this post about him, is that he was walking down the street with some of his Airman buddies, and somebody had the audacity to SPIT at them, and tell them that they should be dead! This happened on the streets of our country, by individuals who are being protected by the very same young men and women who this imbecile had the chutzpah to spit at! I was encouraged to read all of the enthusiastic posts that were left on Hallie's blog which honored CJ, her son, after she wrote about this incident. Apparently, there are many, many other people out there(including a ten year old girl who is making CJ one of her "projects"), who love and support our country. The love that they feel also spills over to the brave service men and women who use their own lives to protect our freedom. It is ironic how they also protect the rights of the SPITTERS to SPIT at them as they walk down the street minding their own business.

With my dear husband's help, I decided that I would like to do something to remind Airman First Class CJ, Hallie, her family, and others, how much people really do love this country. This is a win-win situation(Do you feel a contest coming on?) because everyone who leaves a comment on my blog citing one reason why they love this country AND our Service men and women, will be placed into a drawing to win a $25.00 Amazon gift card to purchase whatever little gift they would like for themselves. I will also be sending a $25.00 gift card to Airman First Class CJ in honor of his graduation from Flight school, and for being such a proud representation of what incredible young people our country produces! Hallie and John, you did good!

So, to wrap this little drawing announcement up: Post a comment as to why you LOVE this country, and our service men and women.

On the evening of Tuesday, December 18, I will chose a commenter who will then receive a $25.00 gift card for Amazon.

I will also forward all of the comments to The Wonderful World of Wieners.(Once you get there, you will see why my dog fit so nicely into this post.)

Sorry, only US residents will be able to win this contest, because, well...it is your country. And no political banter, please. I only want to hear good things about this fine country and the individuals who serve. I am not interested in finding out if you believe in the war, or not. That has no bearing here.

May you look around and realize how damn lucky you are to be an American, and to live in the best country in the world.

21 comments:

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

Deb,

I don't know what to say. I am honestly speechless and very teary eyed right now.

What a beautiful, beautiful gesture you are making - not only for my son but also to honor our servicemen and women.

I am truly touched and know that CJ will be too.

You are an amazing person whose heart is obviously full of love.

Thank your husband for helping you with this and hug that adorable dog for me!

I can't WAIT to read the responses you receive.

Hallie
Proud Air Force Mom to CJ

Amber said...

I love this country for so many reasons, but honestly I have to say the one reason that stands above all others is that I can freely worship my God...there is nothing creative or sassy, or funny to add to that. I could give stories of patriotism and family service, but it is the freedom of worship that out shines all others. We don't even have a clue what it is like for people in other countries who have to hide their faith. I have several bibles...SEVERAL...in my home and I do not have to worry about anyone arresting me for having them. We are far more blessed than many realize.

Pam said...

What a wonderful thing for you to do! I am also a Fan of Hallie's blog.

I am a huge supporter of our soldiers because without them I'm not sure what our country would be and it's a scary thought!

I love the USA and the freedom we have, it's a place full of beauty that I hope to see a lot of in my lifetime! I would never want to live anywhere else!

Anonymous said...

I love this country because in this country we are FREE. Sadly, too many people do not realize what an incredible gift that is or recognize the price at which it came. They also do not realize the work that it takes to maintain that freedom. The very fact that people can spit on our service men and say the hateful things they do is due to the fact that we are free.

My grandfather was a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy during WWII. We lost him to cancer 5 years ago. He was on a ship without a name (just numbers) and they went to the areas where battles had just occurred in the south pacific. They searched for survivors and recovered bodies. He didn't fight and he wasn't a war hero but he served in a very important behind the scenes way and he was always a hero to me.

Unfortunately, today, many kids do not know or understand our American history. Unfortunately, today, too many people are too willing to walk away from those in need. The horrors of the Holocaust are forgotten as genocide rages in Africa. Afghanistan and Iraq have been liberated from the tyranny of the Taliban and yet, through our overwhelmingly liberal media, we hear of how we've failed as the price of that freedom has cost us here in a America.

Freedom is not free! Those who are guarding our freedom and fighting for the freedom of others deserve our utmost respect and deepest heartfelt thanks.

Thank you CJ for wearing your uniform proudly and for suffering the injustice of being spat upon. Please remember that for every hateful person you encounter, there are countless others that you are standing up for, whether they ever realize it or not. That is the mark of a true hero.

dlyn said...

This is a great contest in honor of WWOW's son! How wonderful of you to remember him this way. I have to say that I love this country because it is a place where people who serve and people who spit can both live in freedom. I hope that someday, the spitters will realize that the young people they made the subject of their derision are protecting their right to express themselves in such a lowbrow manner.

Anonymous said...

It's a sad commentary of our times since 9/11 has slipped the memory of many of our American citizens. My bet is that all of our military men and women were revered and honored lovingly as civilians were fearing the possiblities of further attacks on our beloved soil.
CJ is an amazing soul and regardless of his dedication and selflessness of service, he and his fellow soldiers deserve respect more than the spit from a person who has a short memory of recent history.
To any service person who must endure the hatred and ignorance of a person with shameful disrespect, I strongly urge the respectful response of; "Next time, would you mind aiming for my boots? That'll help me look my best while I'm protecting the rights for you to have the freedom to speak out" Or, raise that spit-shined boot up to a 45 degree angle and kick the idiot in the dangles, knock him to his knees, do him a favor and take his wallet so he can't buy his 12 year old a rapid fire rifle that could potentially kill 20 kids in the school he just got kicked out of.
My son served proudly but started his enlistment in 02 when people still flew Old Glory proudly. Now, like their flags, their hearts are tattered and faded, torn and lack the proud it once held.
I pray they sleep well at night and be blessed with a dream of how our country has progressed to the point it has since people like CJ make it possible.
Bless each and every service man and woman for all their sacrifices. All gave something, some gave all.
With hope, love and peace to all.
Teri Gude

Anonymous said...

I think one of the things that makes America great is that it is full of people who truly care about others - those in need, those facing adversity, those struggling with life's challenges.
One has only to read through a few of these blogs to see so many examples of good and giving hearts.
I'm proud to be an American, and to support those brave men and women who protect my freedom every day.
Thank you all.

Anonymous said...

WOW! What an awesome person you are to be doing this for CJ and as I see it, for all the men and women serving in our Armed Forces. I can only imagine the pain and hurt that a stupid act can cause a young person serving in the military.

Now to enter the contest, "why do I lvoe this country?" There is only one word that describes every reason that you can think of and that is Freedom.

Michelle (another proud air force mom)

Alison said...

Thank you for doing this..sometimes we forget about how great our country is and only focus on the negative.

I love our freedom of speech, religion, dress, sexuality....all our freedoms. I love being able to voice my opinions without the fear of being persecuted for them. I love being able to feel safe and free.

BTW...read your last few posts and your daughters are absolutely gorgeous!! You have done a wonderful job as their Mom...beautiful girls.

Debra said...

Wow,

I am absolutely in awe of your beautiful, heartfelt answers. Thank you for participating. Your words are so encouraging! You are all about what makes this country great!

Hugs,
Debbie

Ness said...

Deb, my heart to yours for coming up with this phenomenal way to honor CJ, his parents and our military. It had to be very hard for CJ's parents for that to have happened to their son while he was doing what he felt called to do-serve his country. Makes you want to shake the ungrateful out of spitters.

Anonymous said...

I love our troops! awesome post!

Lizzy in the Burbs said...

Hi! I'm coming to you by way of Hallie, and think this is just a wonderful way to honor CJ and all our troops! I don't think I can top any of the comments you've already received, they're all awesome! I will say that I love America with all my heart and feel so very fortunate to live here in freedom and raise my family as I see fit. I am grateful that my children do not go to bed at night fearful of bombings, or raids. I am thankful that it was my choice to have two children, or I could have had twelve, because that is allowed in America. I'm grateful that my sons could be President or rock musicians, or soldiers if they choose to. We enjoy so many different freedoms that the majority of the world does not, we are truly blessed to have been born here.

Thanks for what you're doing, it's such a great idea! Hope you get lots of responses!

Anonymous said...

I love this Country for the freedom we have - freedom so that someone can do a terrible thing such as spitting on our military personnel and yet not be shot for it. Those who are guilty should thank their lucky stars they live in the USA and not some other country that doesn't have that kind of freedom. Shame on you!

Anonymous said...

Wow! My miserable puter FINALLY let me access this site!
Wanted to say hi and thanks to Deb Dub!
"FEARLESS = FREEDOM" in a nut shell.
My heart is so full it hurts w/ you wonderful people. By the way...I'm the first Weiner Winner!! Thanks Hallie!!

Steph said...

A simple thank you to those that fight to keep us safe just doesn't seem enough. My grandfather faught in WWII and was part of D-Day and my cousin is in the air force and has spent time in Iraq, in fact he missed his sister's wedding due to his service. The respect and pride I have for them and all who serve cannot be measured in words. The ironic part is that they fight to protect the freedom of those that choose to speak ill towards our miltary. It has been said that "freedome isn't free" and our men & women who serve along with their families pay the price. Again thank you doesn't seem to be enough, but I do thank you from the bottom of my heart.

tj said...

...Awww, I'm sure I'm too late but what a sweet thing for you to do Debra! There is no end to you and your heart...For that I am grateful!

...Blessings... :o)

tj said...

...lol...Alright, I give 'grammie hoffman'...what's a Weiner Winner? I haven't had a chance to do much blogging the past few days and need to do some catching up obviously! lol... ;o)

Anonymous said...

This is so like you, Debbie, to care enough to recognize the service of others.

I love our service people because they take my place in working to make my life better. I can't do it so I appreciate all their work and sacrifice by them and their families and friends.

It's one of the best ways they can show love. I am so proud of all of them and thankful from the bottom of my heart.

Karen Clinton

Anonymous said...

Humble origins, check out Hallie's blog "wonderfulworldofweiners.blogspot.com - go back a few days to the name the photo contest...Yep, I'm the Weiner winner!!

Debra said...

Grammie,

I saw that you were the wiener winner on Hallie's blog! Too funny, congratulations!

Hugs,
Deb

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