"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Veteran's Day Parade, Colorado Springs, CO.

Saturday, the 8th of November we went to the Veteran's Day Parade in Downtown Colorado Springs. It has been a long time since I have been to a parade that has evoked such a range of emotions, not only from me, but the obvious emotions from those in the parade and the rest of the crowd. For myself, the enormity of the pride I feel for being an American is beyond words. I feel so grateful to everyone who has served in our armed services. I also feel grateful to all the families who support our military members. My mother often recalls the heartache the family felt when her two uncles didn't return from WWII-Pacific. They still have not returned home. There are too many that share this heartache.

We learned a few years ago that Kiah's great-uncle's all served during WWII. His Uncle Gene received a battle field commission. Having his family share pictures and history with us, made Kiah's time in service even more meaningful. The Veteran's Day parade heralded heroes from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. It was an amazing journey through the battles that our Veteran's have fought and an educational list of the multi-services that fight for our freedom. Fighting back tears, we waved our American flags, clapped and cheered for our country's amazing heroes.

From the Boy and Girl Scout troops to the JROTC troops, each piece of this parade was filled with respect and admiration for the sacrifice our soldiers have made over the years. Forrest is part of the Sabre Team for the Fountain-Fort Carson High School. Watching him march down the street, looking so much like his father was a bit overwhelming. Knowing that he has so much admiration for the historical battles fought around the world and wanted to march in the parade to show his pride and thanks, makes my heart swell.

As a proud daughter, aunt, cousin, niece and wife of a soldier and a proud friend, "sister" and "mom" to many who have served with Kiah; I hope that I live up to the sacrifices made. I hope that during my life I will continue to earn the beautiful smiles I saw in the parade. I hope that each service member knows that my heart leaps with pride for all they have given me and my fellow Americans.