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Posts tagged ‘service’

Sep 7

Inspiration, Hope, Action

“America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor.” — Paul Tsongas

“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” — James Allen

Good friends (thanks Suz and Matt!) invited me back again this year to the Tee It Up for the Troups golf tournament in Eau Claire Wisconsin yesterday. A fantastic nonprofit that has been serving and supporting the military for 20 years, raising $16 million dollars to serve their vision to help military veterans and their families to heal, transition, grow, and thrive.

During the opening ceremonies of honoring our veterans, those serving and Gold Star families, four paratroopers floated down in the sky. A truly inspirational and wonderful event. I share this to not only promote the organization but to also remind us of the good, selfless people that we are surrounded by every single day.

We need to be reminded that “We the People” get the politicians we vote for and tolerate. Our challenges and issues are complex, complicated and nuanced, requiring different perspectives and all sides working together. Solutions don’t fit on a bumper sticker, slogan or sign. No one party has all of the answers. And rather than “othering,” blaming, complaining, mocking, name-calling, fearmongering, we the people are called to something bigger than our own self-interest into service of others. Yesterday was a living example of regular people who accepted the call to serve others and give the best of themselves for freedom and democracy. Do not take it for granted.

Learn about issues, candidates and vote. Take action today by being kind, generous and grateful. And after November, no matter the outcome, get to work and become a participant rather than a complaining spectator. That’s what makes “We the People” the great, imperfect democracy that will thrive, prosper and keep working to serve others and be the best humans we can be.

To all of the military and their families, thank you, thank you for your service, sacrifice and example of what we are all called to do to honor and serve others who are around us every day.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams

“True patriotism isn’t cheap. It’s about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America going.” — Robert Reich

May 29

Memorial Day

“May the many monuments that abound remind me of the desperate need for courage, the inestimable value of valor, the honor evoked of sacrifice, and the fact that a life spent in the service of self embodies none of these.”― Craig D. Lounsbrough

“A true patriot does not seek to live off of the sacrifices of others. Rather, a true patriot is the one who sacrifices so that others might live. And therefore, we might be quite wise to take a moment and ponder the reality that a nation heavy on recipients and light on patriots will soon have neither.”― Craig D. Lounsbrough

Memorial Day.
Remembering those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.
Who went beyond self into other.
Choosing we rather than me.
More than a long weekend and kick off to summer.
A day to remember, honor and be grateful.
And hopefully extended well beyond one day.
Humans forget, get distracted, take others for granted.
Thank you to all who served and serve.
Those no longer with us and those who remain willing to make the sacrifice.

“Thank you to those men and women who put self aside because they held the thought of us on the inside. So, whether that be the bloodied beaches on D-Day or any number of other battles remembered or forgotten, we now hold you on the inside and we say “thank you.”― Craig D. Lounsbrough

Nov 11

Be of Service

“America’s Veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world.” – John Doolittle

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” – Arthur Ashe

Thank You to all Veterans and military for your service and commitment to freedom and democracy.

Five years ago, I was in Washington DC with friend, cousin and partner in fun Jeanne. It was her first time there. I’ve been there several times through the years and I always find something new and inspiring at our nation’s Capital, despite the small politics and big egos that reside there. It’s also fun going with someone who hasn’t been there before to see it through their eyes. I’ve never been there on Veteran’s Day.

One of my most special memories of many was a veteran who walked slowly past the Korean monument. He stopped every five feet to salute and then do the sign of the cross. People walked by him, didn’t notice and kept going. We watched in reverence for a few minutes with quiet tears streaming down. Reverence, respect and gratitude deepened.

Today is a good day to be grateful for others service and to think about how we serve the world, not just ourselves. To be inspired and compelled to care and act on principles and truths that transcend time and circumstances. May each of our lives be marked by service that protects, raises and lifts others so we can truly change the world. Be of service, cast light.

“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” – Alexander Hamilton