Wear Red Fridays - Showing Support For Our Troops

 A very simple way to show support of our Troops.  Wear red on Fridays.  Hey, today is Friday!  Do you have your red on?

Simple ways to show support and respect for our troops was the backbone of a conversation I had this morning.  I went in to talk to our local Town Manager, who also happens to be an old friend and who happens to be an Air Force Mom :)  We talked about the placement of yellow ribbons to town owned poles in our Downtown area.  Our town has several young men and women serving our Country.  These simple yellow ribbons would help raise awareness to their sacrifices as well as offer a small show of support to our local troops.  The conversation preceded to talk about the upkeep of American Flags through out the town.  We both agreed how great it is so see flags waving in our community, but how sad it makes us to have some of those flags torn and really in need of being properly disposed of.  As Town Manager she makes it one of her concerns that all of the flags displayed on town owned poles are in good condition.   It is important for the town to be the roll model for its citizens when it comes to showing proper support and respect for our troops.  

Every Monday morning in a part of our area known as "Chisholm square" there are a small group of people who gather and hold American Flags.  Some are Veteran's and some are community members who do their part in supporting our troops.  A simple act that means so much.  

Over the summer one of our own Soldiers from our town was injured while serving Afghanistan.  She graduated from our local high school in 2007 and joined the Army shortly after.  It gives me great pride to tell of the events that our community members did to raise funds and raise awareness for this Soldier and her family.  "Toll booths" were held for a few days on our major road coming in and out of town.  Donations were accepted from anyone riding by who wished to help.  Maine's own First Lady appeared in our July 4th parade as a show of support and respect for our injured local Soldier.  Just last month a spaghetti supper was held to raise more funds to help in any way that is needed in her recovery.  Simple acts that can do so much.  

I do not live near a Military base.  I have at times thought that our area was very out of touch with the sacrifices of those who serve our Country.  Nothing makes a small town come together and rally around one of its own like a tragedy does though.  When there is a need, there are those who are always willing to step up and help.  

Small Town living isn't too bad at times :)  Does your town or area do special things to support your local troops?  What things brings your town together to honor and respect those serving our Country?  

Sending you, your family, and your Soldier lots of love and support!
Faith