Veterans Day – Proud to be an American

History has taught us over and over again that freedom is not free. When push comes to shove, the ultimate protectors of freedom and liberty are the brave men and women in our armed forces. Throughout our history, they’ve answered the call in bravery and sacrifice. 

~Tim Pawlenty

Here in the United States, we celebrate Veterans Day every November 11. As the daughter of a retired Army soldier, I am especially thankful, because I have seen firsthand the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families.

I feel honored and privileged to live in a country that offers us such amazing opportunities. Freedom does not come without a price. Some people may take for granted the many basic rights we enjoy in the United States, but these rights have been earned through the ultimate sacrifice paid by the men and women of our armed forces.

If you don’t stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them.

I am in awe of the sacrifice made by all branches of our military and their families to protect our freedoms and privileges. This Veterans Day (and any day), help to financially support the injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. We’ve listed a few of our favorite organizations below. Please visit these websites to see how you can help. Learn more about ways to support our troops and their families.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

National Veterans Foundation

Operation Gratitude

Operation Homefront

Semper Fi Fund

USO

Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded Warrior Hospital Fund

Thank you to all the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces – past and present – and especially all those who died or were wounded protecting our country. You make me proud to be an American.

If you have a favorite organization that we haven’t listed, please feel free to list it in the comments section below so that other readers will learn about it.

Charmin Calamaris

Charmin is a wife, mom of two boys and creator of the Momiverse. The Momiverse is an online magazine for busy moms (is there any other kind?) dedicated to helping moms make time – and take time – for themselves. She traded in her career in land use planning and environmental policy to become Chief Executive Navigator of the Momiverse. You can connect with Charmin in her "online office" on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

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