Memorial Day 2013

This is Jas with one of the babies that Final Salute is helping.

If you've been here with us in Mommyland for long, you know we have a real affinity for military families and those who serve our country. Memorial Day seems a good time to talk about this a little bit.

Just a warning, you guys, this post isn't funny.

Last Christmas we worked with a couple of amazing women from an organization called Final Salute. They work tirelessly to help women veterans and their children find a way back from homelessness. Jaspen Boothe is the founder and President of Final Salute, as well as being a Captain in the US Army.



Memorial Day is about remembering those who have given their lives to defend ours. Historically it was a day to decorate the graves of those who died in battle. And on Memorial Day, I pray for the souls who paid the ultimate price to protect the freedom I enjoy and so often take for granted.

While I remember those that have left us, remembering doesn't seem like enough. Jaspen has taught me that we honor the fallen by supporting the living. The families left behind. Their brothers and sisters in uniform. Veterans who need help.

Here's a clip from Jaspen's appearance on the Katie Couric show last week. The clip only shows part of the interview and I really wish you could see the whole story. The part about Jas getting deployed to Afghanistan, getting diagnosed with cancer and having Hurricane Katrina destroy everything she owned all in a span of about three months.  Her story is awesome, in that it literally inspires awe. This is the sort of person we have defending our country and I could not be more proud.

Click here to find out more and support the work of Final Salute by buying a charm.

Today we should remember, but we can also take some time (now or in the future) to support and honor those who have served our country. You don't need a lot of time or money. You can write cards to those who are deployed or recovering from injuries. You can advocate for military families with special needs kids. You can volunteer your time.

Most importantly, you can talk to your kids about what it all means.

Happy Memorial Day.

xo, Lydia

(c)Herding Turtles 2009 - 2013