Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the things we have to be grateful for. Not an easy thing to do, perhaps, what with all that is going on in the world these days.
We become too busy or preoccupied and forget to say thanks.
At Thanksgiving particularly, I always set aside some “quite time” to reflect on the many people I am thankful for, especially those who are in harm’s way for our way of life.
A while back, I came across the poem entitled, A Soldier’s Thanksgiving, written by Mariane Holbrook. I read it at this time of year:
Over there a soldier's thinking
Of a time not long ago,
When his loved ones got together;
'Twas Thanksgiving Day, you know.
Over there a soldier's dreaming
Of a turkey baked just right,
Mashed potatoes, golden gravy,
Chestnut dressing, pure delight.
Over there a soldier's hungry
For whipped cream on pumpkin pie.
Squares of cornbread, crusts so tender,
Homemade biscuits stacked up high.
Over there a soldier's wishing
He could have one buttered roll.
But he feasts on GI rations
While his unit's on patrol.
Over there a soldier's lying
In a ditch, his makeshift bed.
Mud and dirt are his companions;
Been awhile since he's been fed.
Over there a soldier's praying
That his open sores will heal.
He is sure that he'll feel better
Once he has a good hot meal.
Over there a soldier's hearing
Loud explosions, muffled cries.
Shrapnel killed his foxhole buddy
Right before his very eyes.
Over there a soldier's quoting
Scriptures learned at Mother's knee,
Proud that he's a mighty warrior,
Keeping all his loved ones free.
This Thanksgiving as you're eating
That sweet corn that grandpa grew,
Say a prayer for that dear soldier
Who would love to be with you.
On this Thanksgiving, America remembers
The men and women of our military . . .
May God love, bless and protect you all.
At this time of year, share your gratefulness for the service of our nation’s men and women in uniform – along with their families, for the many sacrifices made to keep our Nation safe.