Called to Serve
[This was published on motzei Shabbat]
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As I imagine many synagogues do, each November we honour those members who have given of themselves in service to the armed forces of the United States. We call them up and thank them for defending our freedom. Last night, BossGiraffe asked each individual to share name, branch, rank, file, and location of service. It was incredible. Men of all ages, who had served from 1938 through Operation Iraqi Freedom, spoke briefly about their assignments. Nearly two dozen of them. Who had seen action in the European and Pacific theatres, flown helicopters devoted to search-and-rescue/recovery over the Atlantic, traipsed the jungles in Vietnam, and kept us safe here at home.
These men. Many of whom are old. Really old. Bent with age. Yet, standing tall and proud as they recalled days long gone.
Look closely as they speak and you’ll catch a glimpse of the boys who once served.
“Thank you” is woefully inadequate.
Frume Sarah is Shabbos-observant -- in a Reform way, that is. Please note that from Friday afternoons until one hour after sundown on Saturday evenings, Frume Sarah will be unavailable, in observance of the Jewish Sabbath.
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Thank you for your understanding...and gut Shabbos!!! 
Frume Sarah's World 
As the proud sister of an ARMY man, I will tell you that “Thank you” is a great start. They don’t hear it nearly enough, and though many will assert that they just do their job and are not heroes, a little gratitude goes a long way.
Not only do I thank folks in uniform, but I love to see how my kids react when they see them. In hushed voices brimming with awe, they clearly regard these men and women as real-life heroes.
Which, of course, they are.
Please thank your brother for taking on a job that is so much more.
what a lovely custom.
here in Chicago we have become involved in Honor Flight, which takes veterans to the memorials in Washington, D.C. It’s done with great fanfare and dignity – many people send them off and wait to greet them when they return, they receive cards and letters of gratitude, and the whole day is of course, fully paid for. It’s an amazing program, since so many of these veterans have never seen the veterans’ memorials and so many of them are aging rapidly…
That is so cool!!! Here is the info: http://www.honorflight.org/index.cfm . Although there is no hub from CA, the website will place a veteran with the nearest group making the trip.
What a tremendous program. Thanks so much.