This 4th of July, Give Thanks

For many, the 4th of July is an opportunity to gather with family and friends, light up the barbeque and blast off dazzling fireworks displays.  However, Independence Day is also a time to pause and reflect on the freedoms and liberties we enjoy here in America, and to offer our thanks to the men and women of our Armed Forces who have answered the call to serve this country.  

Let freedom ring! 

This weekend, while celebrating at your local parade, barbeque or fireworks display, take a moment to ponder what these things signify.  While we're enjoying the colors and booms of fireworks lighting up the sky, our enlisted servicemen and women are actually experiencing "bombs bursting in air".  While watching the local 4th of July parade with family, remind your loved ones that the very freedoms we are celebrating are still being fought for by our friends and neighbors. And while enjoying that mouth-watering barbeque and slice of Americana (a.k.a. apple pie), remember those brave men and women who aren't able to observe this holiday with loved ones, because they're fighting to preserve our way of life.

How you can give back...

Showing your gratitude to our servicemen and women can be as simple as saying "thank you for your service" or sending a thank you card. It doesn't matter how big or small the gesture, showing your genuine appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of our Armed Forces can deeply resonate. However, if you'd like to get more involved, there are a number of non-profit organizations whose mission is to aid our Armed Forces stationed overseas and our veterans faced with transitioning back to civilian life. Here are just a few...

• A Million Thanks allows individuals to grant wishes for our troops.  Wishes can range from needing money to repair the family car, to taking a spouse on a long, overdue honeymoon when reunited.  You can also fund a scholar through the Million Thanks Education fund, which provides tuition assistance to children of our country's fallen heroes.
  
  
• Operation Shoebox is an organization based in Florida that sends care packages and letters of encouragement to our troops.  A small bag of coffee, toiletries, or even sports gear can be the reminder of home that our troops need to boost morale while stationed overseas. 
  
  
• Have a passion for knitting or crocheting? Operation Gratitude sends handmade scarves and hats to troops during winter. Knitting not your thing? Through Operation Gratitude, you can put together care packages and write letters for our troops too!

From the Revolutionary War to those stationed overseas today, the sacrifices of the men and women of our Armed Forces have made celebrating the 4th of July for 240 years (and counting!), possible. From all of us here at GA Foods, we sincerely thank all United States veterans and active-duty troops for their service to this country. Have a happy and safe 4th of July!