During this next week, take the time to say “thank you” to someone who has taken this oath:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

Those who have served this great nation have done so in times of peace and war. They are America’s Veterans and Military, more than 25 million living. They protect and defend our country, stay the course and allow us to live the American Dream.

It is with great hope and pride that they serve and sacrifice, not even looking at it as such. Their families stand beside them so that their loved one may allow each of us to live in this free country! Our communities rally behind them by flying their flags, hanging yellow ribbons, contributing items and finances so that the organizations sending care packages overseas and attending to our VA hospitals and homes may continue to touch our military and our veterans’ lives.

This week, reflect back over the years and about who in this community has served, and how you can affect their life by saying that simple phrase: Thank you. We can all do so with pride because it is due to their sacrifice that we are allowed to speak freely and say something so simple that would affect someone’s life so greatly! Thank you, veterans!

Merinda Mullins

President, Washington Chapter No. 1

Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

Lake Stevens