catnipoflife

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

Nov 7

Remember Our Soldiers

by catnipoflife

Reposted from Awakenings:

In preparation for Veteran’s Day,
 November 11…
Remember our soldiers
At home and away
Who sacrifice daily
For the USA
 
‘Tis not for fortune
They give of their all
But honor and courage
Answer duty’s call

Patriots of merit
Put first not one’s self
But concern for others
In and of itself

Of those returning home
Wounded, shell-shocked, sick
 Calls go out to others
To ease the pain quick

Yet not quickly enough
Does the relief come
Even off battlefields
Too many succumb

Seek out a helping hand
No matter how small
Do whatever you can
Bless one, bless them all!

 
©2015 Awakenings
Sharla Lee Shults
To support our military is to support America, defend her honor, preserve her freedom.
http://awakenings2012.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-salute-to-our-troops.html
A Salute to Our Troops!

 

Awakenings Reflection Remembering

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Feb 14

Awakenings: Happy Valentine’s Day, Soldiers!

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

To all our soldiers, every branch, near, far and wide
Happy Valentine’s Day sent to you with pride!

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Take care, soldiers, while away
With love this Valentine’s Day

More @Awakenings…

See on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Scoop.it

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Jan 27

Awakenings: “TAPS”…Day is Done

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

Hopefully you are aware of “Taps” but many of you may have never heard the version played in its entirety. “Taps” was originally written by Daniel Butterfield in 1801. It was rather lengthy and formal, as you will hear in the clip presented below. In 1862, it was shortened to 24 notes and re-named Taps.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

The video @Awakenings features 13-yr-old Melissa Venema playing “Taps” on a trumpet whereas the original was played on a bugle.

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Scoop.it

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Jan 17

Awakenings: A Salute to Our Troops

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

All too often our country’s military misses out on life’s most precious moments. A soldier (in the sense here meaning any member of our military forces) may be thousands of miles away when news arrives of the birth of a son or daughter. Perhaps, the news is the opposite end of the spectrum, the death of a parent, brother, sister, or even a child. Distance separates families leaving times for communication often few and far between, time passes slowly …months … years … without seeing loved ones. Whether a first hello or final goodbye, the moments can never be regained. And, their stories touch the Heart of America.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

There are five branches to our military each with their own terms of identifications and regulations. The poetry Soldiers of America is being used in its broadest sense to honor all troops.

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings PoetrybySharla Scoop.it

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Nov 2

Awakenings: Prelude to Veteran’s Day 2013

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

Veteran is an all-encompassing word.

It is feeling absolute pride, joy, exhilaration and emotional gratification for serving one’s country. It means extreme sacrifice for both self and family. It bears pain and anguish during times of separation. It means not knowing sometimes when you will be coming home or even if you will ever make it back home. It brings on happiness and tears at the birth of your child when you are not there to hold him or her for the first time. It recognizes the sufferings of family when shunned by others. It means…

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

As you approach the celebration of Veteran’s Day, take time to inquire, research, discuss what it truly means to be a veteran, especially in  terms of those who not only laid the foundation and established the platform for our American freedom but also those who sacrificed to maintain that freedom. Know what this day will truly celebrate and be a knowledgeable part of the celebration.

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Reflection

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May 26

Awakenings: Honoring America’s Heroes

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

Gary Sinise Honors Veterans at National Memorial Day Concert

Jeannette Anderson, writer/blogger, posted a marvelous video today on Google+. Upon watching the video there was no doubt it should be aired on Awakenings. Tomorrow is Memorial Day but first, it is important to understand Memorial Day vs. Veterans’ Day.

blockquote_icon“Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty…”

WATCH THE VIDEO @AWAKENINGS: http://awakenings2012.blogspot.com/2013/05/honoring-americas-heroes.html

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Display the American flag proudly for our fallen heroes! That is the least one can do on Memorial Day!

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Reflection Video Clip

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May 23

Awakenings: Memorial Day Weekend

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

Airplanes, trains, buses, cars, yachts and RVs will be reelin’, rockin’ and rollin’ toward sunny beaches, campgrounds and other getaway destinations this coming weekend. But, WHY? The fact is the very mention of Memorial Day brings to mind Memorial Day weekend: the celebratory weekend marking the beginning of the busy summer season. For some, it is better representative of the ending of yet another school year. For many, it is a long weekend with an extra day off from daily work routines.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Memorial Day Sale! Sale! Sale! It isn’t a bad thing to take advantage of the sales, especially taking into consideration our nation’s economy. However, should you take that advantage at any time during this weekend or on Monday be sure to notice whether an American flag is flying or if a sign is displayed in the window in honor and respect of our fallen soldiers. If one is not visible, I challenge you to ask WHY not?

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Reflection Scoop.it

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May 22

Awakenings: Photograph In My Mind

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

Awakenings welcomes Terry Shepherd into the spotlight. My communication with Terry is through her blog featuring, in her own words, “inspirational stories that touch your heart and soul.” I totally agree with her having visited her blogsite many, many times.

Terry’s featured poetry is the perfect prelude to Memorial Day!

http://awakenings2012.blogspot.com/2013/05/photograph-in-my-mind.html

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

With Memorial Day to be celebrated this weekend, the timing for this introduction to Terry Shepherd has been perfect. As you move closer to the weekend and become involved in celebration planning, remain mindful of what this holiday truly represents. It is not just picnics and soda pops, cake and ice cream, beach ball and surf boards! It is a day of remembrance: the last Monday in May on which those who died in active military service are remembered.

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Author Connections Awakenings Reflection

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Apr 25

Awakenings: Thank You, Soldiers!

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Sizzlin’ News

Awakenings honors our soldiers, past, present and future…without them, America would not be the America as we know it today. Next time you see a soldier, shake his/her hand and express how much you appreciate the services performed and sacrifices endured by each and every one. They are the life’s blood of American freedom!

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Honor, respect and support the United States of America military!

Visit awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Click the link, scroll through to poetry from Awakenings from Then ’til Now…”Walk among the Wild Flowers”
http://awakenings2012.blogspot.com/2013/04/thank-you-soldiers.html

Awakenings PoetrybySharla

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Nov 11

Awakenings: Veterans Day

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – America

This Day in History: November 11, 1918

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the signing of the armistice went into effect, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany.

What are your plans? Celebrate Veterans Day with your family by reflecting on the service that veterans have contributed to America.

Think about questions, such as, “Where would America be without the help and sacrifices of our veterans? Do you know a veteran…possibly someone in your ancestral chain, a current family member, friend, friend of a friend? How has a veteran individually impacted your life?”

Read more on awakenings2012.blogspot.fr, as well as a tribute to my dad who served in the Navy during WWII at Iwo Jima.

Awakenings Reflection Scoop.it

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