THANKFULNESS

As Thanksgiving approaches the rush and choas of everyday life subsides and sincere thoughts of thankfulness come to mind. Thankfulness is that positive emotion in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive. To me there is no better benefit to be thankful for than the men and women overseas serving America and protecting Americans' right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The CATO Institute says at any given time " The United States has over 200,000 troops stationed in 144 countries and territories. Also, it usually has another 20,000 sailors and Marines deployed afloat on Navy ships." Sometimes I wonder if the men and women overseas know just how grateful their fellow Americans are for them. No thank you, care package or hug could thank the soldiers enough for what they stand for and protect. It is these willing souls that endure the hardships of war to defend Americans' freedom. Stats from the website InfoPlease show dating back to the Revoluntary war an estimated 1,089,137,435 men and women have paid the ulimate sacrifice in defense of their fellow Americans. Not only am I thankful but I am envious of the courage and bravery of the heroic stars that serve and protect the very country I live in. I could not imagine a day where I were to be put on the front lines of defense for America. A time when I was the next man between terror on the homeland and my fellow Americans living in freedom. I am a man of thankfulness and gratitude for all our armed forces.