"Guest Post"
By: Leigh McLeroy
Remember.
You may have a busy day. Me too. But today, if you look, you'll see flags flying at half staff wherever you live and when you do...remember.
Today is Veteran's Day.
Today American men and women around the world who have served in our nation's armed forces will no doubt remember their days as soldiers. And those who still serve will do they work they do each day, some of them remembering, too, their own dead comrades and perhaps even uncles, aunts, parents and grandparents who served before them.
Today in my city a local car wash chain is offering free car washes to any veteran who asks for one. When a reporter asked if vets would be asked to prove their status, he said no. To ask for proof from a soldier who says he served would be an insult, he said, and as for anyone brash enough to boast a role he never played, well they should be ashamed.
Today 13 Navajo code talkers -- whose created, secret language helped the U.S. prevail in the Pacific in World War II -- will gather in New York to take part in ceremonies honoring their 500-man unit. Fewer than 50 of them remain. Even when their code became declassified in 1969, they refused to break their orders to secrecy.
Yesterday I watched as 13 soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, were eulogized and honored by their peers: with silence, with prayer, with hymns, and with gunfire. Thirteen battlefied crosses lined side by side paid tribute to soldiers fallen in the line of duty. A helmet to signify the soldier. An inverted rifle to signal an interruption in service. Combat boots to signify the final march of the last battle. All of it signifying uncommon and complete sacrifice.
Then at the end of the service, roll call. And silence where words should have been. At the end loved ones filed by the 13 crosses, and I cried as I watched widows and parents reach out to touch photographs of the soldier they lost. Each family was accompanied by another soldier. Some of them stood silently, and some reached out in support when knees buckled and shoulders shook.
This is where I'm supposed to sum everything up for you in a neat little package. I can't. The images are still swimming in my mind, and all I feel is...grateful. To be alive. To be loved. To live in America. To be the recipient of the blessings of years of sacrifice.
Remember.
And if you can, say thank you. We're all here on someone else's shoulders.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for a good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinnners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 8:6-8)
©Leigh McLeroy, 2009
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Ouchless Headbands have become part of my everyday routine, either as part of my hair style or simply to push the bangs out of my face while I’m applying makeup. For years I never wore headbands because of the pressure they put behind my ears – after an hour or two I would have a headache that lasted long after I removed the offensive object! Now, I can wear one all day long and I don’t even think about it!
Alba Sugar Scrub was addicting after just the first use. The smell was tropical and it left my skin feeling silky smooth, and eased away rough patches on my elbows or knees. It was a little spendy, at almost $12.00 a jar, but it was so wonderful that I even got my mom hooked on it. It was my personal little spa-moment every morning in the shower. 
And then Mom stumbled across Village Naturals Sugar Scrub in the grocery store. Same concept; smaller price. For a stunning $2.00 she decided to try it…and now I’m hooked too! It was a lush Brown Sugary scent and works just as well as the more expensive Alba brand. Try it; you’ll love it!
Eucerin Calming Cream has become a dear friend to me. It’s unscented and completely gentle on my sensitive skin. I am sad to say that I have left fancy creams and sultry scents behind when it comes to creams & lotions because my skin always seems to rebel and will either start itching or leave a not-so-attractive rash across my neck. This cream has left my skin unbelievably soft and because it’s unscented I never have to worry about what perfume I wear on top of it.
Very Sexy from Victoria’s Secret was my husband’s pick. I was a little skeptical at first, but I quickly came to see it from his point of view. It’s fruity, floral, spicy, and oh so yummy. The perfect scent for a night out with your hubby! 
I have been perusing reviews of Jillian’s products online this week, wondering what all the hype was about. (To further clue you in on my ignorance, after eight seasons of Biggest Loser, I have neither watched an episode, nor had any idea that Jillian was associated with it in any way...until a few days ago.) Her products get (for the most part) rave reviews and the detailed results were impressive. I’m not sure her drill-sergeant attitude is going up be up-my-alley though. 
