Writing barrage

Every single year, I try to write at least the same number or more posts than the previous year.  The goal is one hundred and twenty three this year.  Looking at the number of posts I have now, it's going to be quite a busy month and a half coming up here at My Own Manifesto.  Enjoy or be disgusted, don't really care. 

I have an issue with the Veteran's Day sales that stores have.  Specific two or three day sales that are plastered with savings.  Now, when I think of Veteran's Day, I don't think of going to Macy's or Kohl's or a furniture store warehouse to save money.  I think of men and women serving their country.  Not just the United States, but any person that has served in any branch of their military in any country.  It's a day to remember any person that has fallen in the defense of their country, for something that was bigger than they were.  It's a day to thank anyone you know that has served.  It's a day not for going to stores to do your best to save some extra money on something you want to buy. 

This holiday falls in line with the Columbus Day sales you see advertised.  And President's Day sales.  What is the connection to people coming in and saving money on a couch and Christopher Columbus mutilating, raping, and killing his way into the history books?  Do you think that if George Washington could be here now he would be so happy to see that you can save an extra twenty percent at the local department store during President's Day weekend?  Do you think a veteran of the first Gulf War gives two shits about any of that?  I think not. 

The one nice thing that I have seen is what some restaurants are advertising that they are doing for vets.  It isn't anything major, but still, it's a sign of gratitude.  Some McDonald's (okay, not a real restaurant) here in the Twin Cities are donating portions of their earnings on Veteran's Day to the Minnesota Military Family Foundation.  A nice gesture.  Kind of makes me want to go find one of these McDonald's and clog my arteries for a good cause.  Many restaurants are giving veterans free meals on Veteran's Day.  It's a great way to say thank you in the best way that their business can.   

I just think that the best way that you or I can say thank you to a vet is to just say that.  Thank you!  Thank you to all the men and women around the world, no matter what country you are from, thank you.  Thank you so very much for thinking of your country before yourself.