We may have to stay up for 16 hours if needed but can still rest,
“give thanks”…
He stays up for days on end without complaining.
We can take a warm shower to help us wake up and feel clean
”give thanks”…
He goes days or weeks without running water.
We can complain of a ‘headache’, call in sick and take time off
”give thanks”…
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
We can contact others on our phone or cell phone if needed and
pray together ”give thanks” …
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags and
prays often alone.
We can look forward to seeing our buddies again even if they aren’t with us at the moment “give thanks “…
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
We can walk down a beach or in a forest, enjoying the beauty all around us or just walk down the street and greet our friends “give thanks”…
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
We may complain about how hot it is but we can cool down “give thanks”…
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
We go out to lunch and complain if the restaurant gets our order wrong and then have it corrected “give thanks”…
He doesn’t get to eat today or maybe tomorrow too.
If we have a maid she makes our bed and washes our clothes but even if we do them we can because there is water and electricity ”give thanks”…
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
We can go to the mall and get our hair cut or redone
“give thanks
He doesn’t have time to brush his teeth today.
We may be angry because our class ran over 10 minutes late but our time is our own ”give thanks”…
He’s told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
We are able to call our Loved ones and arrange to meet them “give thanks”…
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
We can hug and kiss out Loved ones. everyday if we want to ”give thanks”…
He holds his letter close and smells his love’s perfume.
We may roll our eyes as a baby cries but we can give comfort ”give thanks”…
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they’ll ever meet.
We can criticize our Government, and say things like war never solves anything even without understanding all the facts, because we have freedom of speach “give thanks”…
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
We hear jokes about the war, making fun of men like him instead of giving thanks for him…
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
We see only what the media wants us to see we are protected from a lot of horror ”give thanks”…
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
If we are asked to do anything that we don’t want to do or that could put us in danger, we have the freedom to say no “give thanks”…
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
We can stay at home and share with our families watch TV work on the computer or whatever we enjoy “give thanks”…
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
We are able to crawl into our soft bed with pillows, blankets and getcomfortable “give thanks”…
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
After reading this, it would be supportive and kind to say a Heartfelt Prayer giving thanks as we remember all the sacrifices Soldiers make even just with the little things of everyday life. It may be their Job and regardless of what their Nationality, it is for us that our Soldiers are going without, we need their willingness to be there regardless of the cost.
Freedomborn 
Here is a nice way to say Thanks to the Troops. The Grateful Chics will donate a Patriotic Grateful Bead Strand to a soldier every time one is purchased. This charitable partnership is through Operation Gratitude, a non-profit that send care packages to our Troops. The soldiers will know someone cares, remembers and is grateful for their service with these tokens of Gratitude. Check them out here: http://shop.gratefulchics.com/Patriotic-Star-6-length-STAR09P.htm
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Today, we offer a prayer for the men and women who died and continually risking their lives so others can enjoy “freedom” and preserve peace. Let this images, sad and painful as it it, remind everyone that everyday, one of this soldiers will break down and cry. One of them may never go home. That one of them will never see their family. That one of them will always be in pain and traumatized from a loss. May their suffering and sacrifices not go in vain. Today, make a pledge to remember…always. Thanks for sharing this moving post.
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Thank you island traveler for your heart felt words, I agree we must always remember and give thanks but how sad that this suffering for many is needed… Come soon dear Lord.
Christian Love Anne.
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Yes it does us good to put into perspective what our problems are compared to those on the forefront of battle, thanks for reminding us to pray for them as well as give thanks for them.
blessing
Ron
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Hi Love, yes what you say is True and as we have shared together, we can’t force prayer, it must come from our heart but being reminded of what they sacrifice should motivate us to give thanks and pray for them not because we have to but because we want to.
Christian Love Anne.
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Regardless of one’s thoughts about the wars that are raging and whether or not our soldiers should be there, the fact remains they ARE there. All are in ‘uncomfortable’ situations, deprived of the acceptable things of life. All are separated from family and loves ones. Most are in dangerous situations. Most witness horrible events. Some face constant danger.
ALL need our prayers and we are remiss if we do NOT pray!
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Hi Angela, I agree 100% they are THERE fullstop! would you mind if I used some of your statement on my Post ? it hits the nail on the head and says it much better than mine does.
Christian Love Anne
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Sorry for the delay in replying Anne. I’ve been busy. Of course you can use anything you like, any time.
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Thanks Angela what I have decided to do is create another e-mail about Aussie Soldiers and use it on this, I will send you the link, thanks again.
Christian Love Anne.
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Giving thanks to all who protect our freedom. Thanks for sharing post.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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Thank you Francine, I’m not in agreement with war for wars sake, some glorify it but I do believe that our Soldiers need recognition and thanks for the sacrifices they make, some times it is their lives they give, not many jobs have this risk, is there another way, yes Love, but it takes two to show it in submission and Unity.
Christian Love Anne.
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