Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer: Post No. 228: For Armed Forces Day

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Post No. 228: For Armed Forces Day — "The Soldiers Of The Cross"

(Image from McNaughton Fine Art Company)

"The Soldiers Of The Cross"

When everything is gone, which
you thought could never be taken;
And your morale—that you guarded
like a child—has up and left you;

And your world of certainty has
spiraled into an abyss of unknowns;
And you feel so alone, because no
one could possibly know your pain;

Remember, that you are never alone,
although you may be on your own! You
are positively surrounded by "Soldiers Of
The Cross," who are with you every day.

You have known them since boot camp,
or—perhaps—since this morning. They are
your fellow U.S. Military Personnel, who
are forever calling you to where duty is.

Your "Soldiers" come to you in more
ways than you can possibly imagine.
They come to remind you where your
duty does—and even does not—exist.

They come to confront you in your
fear and behold you in your courage.
For, it is only when a fear is faced
that courage is beheld in its place.

To your "Soldiers," you too are a "Soldier" and
are here to remind them, as well. For, you are
"The Soldiers Of The Cross" who have been
remembered—since you will never be forgotten!

And you have been called by duty as the way
to remember who you are. So, remember, you
are always in the presence of "The Soldiers
Of The Cross," because you are one, "Soldier."

-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., A Creative Writer)
"I maybe say too much about how life really is!"

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My Writing About Armed Forces Day (for 2012): On patriotic holidays, such as Armed Forces Day, I truly enjoy listening to music that celebrates the heroic service of all the men and women in the United States Military (both past and present) who are the real reason that America is "The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave!" And I also truly enjoy showing my appreciation for those who are heroically serving in the United States Military, each and every day, by making donations to charitable organizations that Support Our Troops! –Paul Whiting (written May 19th, 2012, revised May 31st, 2022 and revised August 16th, 2022)

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My Writing About Armed Forces Day (for 2022) [May 21st, 2022 Update]: Armed Forces Day is today, May 21st, 2022—since Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May each year—and I made a one-time donation to the USO (United Service Organizations) on the USO.org website in order to "salute" the service and service and sacrifices made by our Armed Forces!

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month!

–Paul Whiting (written May 21st, 2022, revised May 26th, 2022, revised June 26th, 2022, revised August 16th, 2022, revised November 24th, 2022, revised April 21st, 2023, revised April 27th, 2023, revised May 19th, 2023, revised July 28th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023, revised November 18th, 2023 and revised May 18th, 2024)

[I feel like I need to clarify why there are so many 'revised dates' on this 'my writing,' just like there are often times so many 'revised dates' on other 'my writings' similar to this one! You see, I really try to keep my writing consistent as possible across all of my blogs. Therefore, as I am writing, I try to use the same phraseology wherever possible with regard to similar types of my writing so that, when I am editing my writing, I can change all of the similar writing at the same time and in the same way! Thus, a lot of the revisions indicated above, after my name (–Paul Whiting), and shown right after the original 'written date,' are often times due to these aforementioned consistent-writing revisions.]
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My Writing About Celebrating Armed Forces Day As A New Tradition For Honoring The Service And Sacrifices Of U.S. Military Personnel (for 2022) [May 21st, 2022 Update—Continued]: I have decided to start a new tradition as a way to "salute" U.S. Military Personnel in honor of Armed Forces Day!

Instead of having a celebration on Memorial Day—because that holiday is really designed for grieving, and/or mourning, and/or paying respect to those who have died while serving in the U.S. Military—I think that the celebration to honor the service and sacrifices of U.S. Military Personnel should really be on Armed Forces Day.

Thus, I plan to have a holiday dinner on Armed Forces Day, and I also plan to listen to patriotic music, as a way to celebrate the many freedoms that we enjoy in the United States of America thanks to the service and sacrifices that are made, each and every day, by U.S. Military Personnel!

–Paul Whiting (written May 21st, 2022 revised May 22nd, 2022, revised May 29th, 2022, revised August 16th, 2022, revised December 27th, 2022, revised December 27th, 2022, revised May 19th, 2023 and revised May 20th, 2023)

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My Writing About Armed Forces Day (for 2023) [May 20th, 2023 Update]: Armed Forces Day is today, May 20th, 2023—since Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May each year—and I made a one-time donation to the USO (United Service Organizations) on the USO.org website in order to pay tribute to the service and sacrifices made by our Armed Forces!

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month! –Paul Whiting (written May 20th, 2023, revised July 28th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023 and revised November 18th, 2023)
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My Writing About Celebrating Armed Forces Day As A New Tradition For Honoring The Service And Sacrifices Of U.S. Military Personnel (for 2023) [May 20th, 2023 Update—Continued]: I have started a new tradition as a way to pay tribute to U.S. Military Personnel in honor of Armed Forces Day!

Instead of having a celebration on Memorial Day—because that holiday is really designed for grieving, and/or mourning, and/or paying respect to those who have died while serving in the U.S. Military—I think that the celebration to honor the service and sacrifices of U.S. Military Personnel should really be on Armed Forces Day.

Thus, I plan to have a holiday dinner on Armed Forces Day, and I also plan to listen to patriotic music, as a way to celebrate the many freedoms that we enjoy in the United States of America thanks to the service and sacrifices that are made, each and every day, by U.S. Military Personnel! –Paul Whiting (May 20th, 2023)

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My Writing About How I Have Changed The Way That I Label My Blog Posts 'Updates' For Any Additional 'Updates' That I Write, After The First 'Update,' By Using A Simple Numbering System, Which Starts With The First 'Update' [October 24th, 2023 Update No. 7 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog)]:

I have changed the way I label the blog post 'updates' that I write because I oftentimes write more than one 'update' per day!

And in the past, I have labeled the second, third, fourth and fifth 'update' with the following extensions—on the days that I write more than 'update'—to differentiate any additional 'updates' from the first one, as follows:

[1st] Month Day, Year Update
[2nd] Month Day, Year Update—Continued
[3rd] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further
[4th] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further Some More
[5th] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before

However today, October 24th, 2023, I actually had more than five 'updates' to write, so I decided to change how I differentiate any additional 'updates,' from the first 'update,' by using a simple numbering system, which actually starts with the first 'update' that I write, as follows:

Month Day, Year Update No. 1
Month Day, Year Update No. 2
Month Day, Year Update No. 3
Month Day, Year Update No. 4
Month Day, Year Update No. 5
Month Day, Year Update No. 6
Month Day, Year Update No. 7

Therefore, that is why this 'update' is the seventh one for today! –Paul Whiting (written October 24th, 2023 and revised October 28th, 2023)

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My Writing About Armed Forces Day (for 2024) [May 18th, 2024 Update No. 1]: Armed Forces Day is today, May 18th, 2024—since Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May each year—so, I did a Google search for "Armed Forces Day 2024 USO" and found the following USO (United Service Organizations) search result:

secure.uso.org
https://secure.uso.org › donate

Uso - Official USO Website

We're thanking our troops with shows that boost morale. Donate today to show your support. Our military heroes make incredible sacrifices. Support them with a donation today. 200+ Centers worldwide. 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. Give hope to the wounded. Boost troop morale.

And, after I read the search results above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

★★★USO★★★

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR AMERICA’S TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Honor their sacrifice by making a donation today.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Amount

[  ] $35
[  ] $50
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[  ] $500
[  ] $1,000
[✓] $ 25.00

Name

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Cell Phone (optional): [redacted]

DONATE $25

Your donations will support:

Transitioning Troops and Deployed Troops

During deployment, you can provide troops with a connection to their families, along with entertainment and relaxation. After service has ended, you can continue to support troops as they transition to civilian life.

Military Families

You can help keep families strong and connected both during and after deployment. The USO provides a wide range of programs that support the entire family every step of the way.

Wounded Warriors and Families of the Fallen

Some troops return home with physical or invisible wounds. You can provide therapeutic and reintegration services as they navigate the road to recovery. You can also provide support to families of troops who have paid the ultimate price while serving their country.

And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org in order to support the USO's following statement: "Our military heroes make incredible sacrifices. ... Give hope to the wounded. Boost troop morale."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month!

–Paul Whiting (written May 18th, 2024 and revised June 15th, 2024)
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My Writing About Celebrating Armed Forces Day As A New Tradition For Honoring The Service And Sacrifices Of U.S. Military Personnel (for 2024) [May 18th, 2024 Update No. 2]: I have started a new tradition as a way to pay tribute to U.S. Military Personnel in honor of Armed Forces Day!

Instead of having a celebration on Memorial Day—because that holiday is really designed for grieving, and/or mourning, and/or paying respect to those who have died while serving in the U.S. Military—I think that the celebration to honor the service and sacrifices of U.S. Military Personnel should really be on Armed Forces Day.

Thus, I plan to have a holiday dinner on Armed Forces Day, and I also plan to listen to patriotic music, as a way to celebrate the many freedoms that we enjoy in the United States of America thanks to the service and sacrifices that are made, each and every day, by U.S. Military Personnel! –Paul Whiting (May 18th, 2024)

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My Writing Notes:

The reason that I wrote this poem can be summed up with the following statement: This poem is inspired by all of the United States Military Personnel, or "The Soldiers Of The Cross," who serve their country—all over the world—defending freedom and democracy!

And, speaking of United States Military Personnel, I have decided to start a new tradition as a way to "salute" U.S. Military Personnel in honor of Armed Forces Day! Instead of having a celebration for Memorial Day—since that holiday is really designed for grieving, and/or mourning, and/or paying respect to those who have died in war—I think that the celebration to honor the sacrifices of Military Personnel should really be Armed Forces Day. Thus, I am planning to have a celebratory dinner on Armed Forces Day as a way to celebrate the many freedoms that we enjoy here, in the United States of America, thanks to the United States Military Personnel!

By the way, this poem is also a rewrite of a poem that I wrote to help my uncle titled, "Calling All Angels," which is published on this blog. (Please see "Calling All Angels-Style Poem" in labels for the poem.)

And this poem was also published on my "Small All White in the Forest" blog (please see the hyperlink below for the blog), since I feel that the message in this poem applies to the message that I am trying to convey through "Small All White in the Forest."

This poem was written in Portland, Oregon.

-Paulee

https://smallallwhiteintheforest.blogspot.com

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"When is Armed Forces Day?" from the USO (United Service Organizations):

When is Armed Forces Day?

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May, and it is the day Americans celebrate their military. In 2022, it falls on Saturday, May 21.

What is the difference between Armed Forces Day and Veterans Day?

Unlike Veterans Day (previously observed as Armistice Day - the end of World War I), which honors those who wore the cloth of our nation at war; and unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died wearing the cloth of our nation at war, Armed Forces Day is the proper day to honor all of the men and women currently serving, as well as those who have served and sacrificed to defend our freedom.

Who created Armed Forces Day?

Armed Forces Day was created on August 31, 1949, by then-Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson, to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The event stemmed from the Armed Forces’ unification under one Department of Defense by then-President Harry S. Truman when he signed the National Security Act into law on July 26, 1947.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR ARMED FORCES BY DONATING TO THE USO TODAY.

Why do we celebrate Armed Forces Day?

According to the Department of Defense, originally, Armed Forces Day was a type of “educational program for civilians,” one in which there would be an increased awareness of the Armed Forces. It was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life. It was a day for the military to show “state-of-the-art” equipment to the civilian population they were protecting. And it was a day to honor and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Who is honored on Armed Forces Day?

Armed Forces Day is the day to honor all who currently serve and all who have served, both active and former, in the reserves, National Guard or on active duty. In his February 27, 1950, proclamation announcing the establishment of the holiday, President Truman wrote:

“I invite the Governors of the States, Territories, and possessions to issue proclamations calling for the celebration of that day in such manner as to honor the Armed Forces of the United States and the millions of veterans who have returned to civilian pursuits.” -Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States.

While some may be tempted to point out that the U.S. Coast Guard does not technically fall under the Department of Defense when not at war, the National Security Act of 1947 was very specific about the term “Armed Forces” in the definitions section 606 paragraph eight, which reads, “The term ‘Armed Forces’ means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.”

How do we celebrate Armed Forces Day?

In the same proclamation, Truman called upon fellow citizens to “display the flag of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day and to participate in exercises expressive of our recognition of the skill, gallantry, and uncompromising devotion to duty characteristic of the Armed Forces in the carrying out of their missions.”

One exercise expressive of that recognition is volunteering with or donating to the USO, one of the few congressionally-chartered, nonprofit organizations committed to serving active-duty military and their families.

When was the first Armed Forces Day?

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on May 20, 1950. The annual Army Day Parade held in Washington, D.C., during the first week of April was replaced by an Armed Forces Day Parade held during the third week of May.

Why is Armed Forces Day in May?

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on May 20, 1950. The annual Army Day Parade held in Washington, D.C., during the first week of April was replaced by an Armed Forces Day Parade held during the third week of May.

Why is Armed Forces Day in May?

Armed Forces Day lands right in the heart of National Military Appreciation Month, which begins May 1 with Loyalty Day and includes Public Service Recognition Week (a week to celebrate government employees), VE (Victory in Europe) Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and Armed Forces Week (the third week in May), leading up to Armed Forces Day. The month of military appreciation concludes with Memorial Day, a day to honor our fallen.

Loyalty Day, May 1, is an interesting holiday. It was actually the original date selected for Army Day by the Military Order of the World War, and it was intentionally designed to offset the popular Communist Worker’s Day celebrations or “May Day.”

However, according to an article in the April 1938 edition of the Daily Press from Newport News, Virginia, at the 1928 National Convention of the Military Order of the World War, “it became evident that it would be advisable to hold Army Day celebrations on some day other than the first of May. The consensus seemed to favor April 6, the anniversary of America’s entrance into the World War, as the most appropriate date.”

When a consolidated Armed Forces Day was created in 1950, the celebrations were shifted to the month of May. It wasn’t until March 18, 1961, that President John F. Kennedy declared the third Saturday of May to be a federal holiday.

The USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DOD). The appearance of DOD visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

-This story was originally published in 2020. It has been updated for 2022.

https://www.uso.org/stories/2225-when-is-armed-forces-day

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May 4th, 2022 Update: May is Military Appreciation Month! So, I signed a Military Appreciation Month card "thanking our service members for everything they do to protect our country" from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, May 4th, 2022, that I received today via an email with the subject line, "[SIGN THE CARD] Military Appreciation Month", which stated the following:

Happy Military Appreciation Month, Paul!

At moments like this, it’s more important than ever to take that extra step to make sure members of our Armed Forces know how grateful we are for their incredible courage and sacrifice — especially as thousands remain in Eastern Europe, ready to do whatever it takes to support our NATO allies.

That’s why we need at least 50,000 proud military supporters — including you, Paul — to sign the card thanking our heroes by midnight tonight: Will you add your name now to make sure our service members know you appreciate their service and sacrifice?***

America’s service members make immense sacrifices every day, from the safety and security of home to special moments with their loved ones, like birthdays, first steps and holidays. It’s challenging, but they do it because they believe freedom and democracy are worth defending.

I was honored to serve our country as a member of the Air Force, and now I’m honored to work with the USO to support today’s service members and their families. You are a crucial part of this mission too, Paul.

It means so much to a service member far from home to know that patriotic Americans like you understand the sacrifices they make. So please, take a moment and sign the Military Appreciation Month card for our service members before midnight tonight.***

Thank you so much for standing with our heroes in uniform!

[Name redacted], USO

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to America's service members, "Thank you for fighting to keep us safe and free. We are so grateful for your service, and we’ll always have your back."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month!

–Paul Whiting (written May 4th, 2022, revised May 7th, 2022, revised May 21st, 2022, revised May 26th, 2022, revised June 13th, 2022, revised June 22nd, 2022, revised June 25th, 2022, revised June 26th, 2022, revised August 16th, 2022, revised September 4th, 2022, revised November 18th, 2022, revised November 24th, 2022, revised December 27th, 2022, revised December 29th, 2022, revised April 11th, 2023, revised April 21st, 2023, revised April 27th, 2023, revised April 28th, 2023, revised May 2nd, 2023, revised May 14th, 2023, revised May 17th, 2023, revised June 14th, 2023, revised July 28th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023 and revised November 18th, 2023)

[I feel like I need to clarify why there are so many 'revised dates' on this 'update,' just like there are often times so many 'revised dates' on other 'updates' similar to this one! You see, I really try to keep my writing consistent as possible across all of my blogs. Therefore, as I am writing, I try to use the same phraseology wherever possible with regard to similar types of my writing so that, when I am editing my writing, I can change all of the similar writing at the same time and in the same way! Thus, a lot of the revisions indicated above, after my name (–Paul Whiting), and shown right after the original 'written date,' are often times due to these aforementioned consistent-writing revisions.]

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May 21st, 2022 Update [My Writing About Armed Forces Day (for 2022)]: Armed Forces Day is today, May 21st, 2022—since Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May each year—and I made a one-time donation to the USO (United Service Organizations) on the USO.org website in order to "salute" the service and sacrifices made by our Armed Forces!

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month!

–Paul Whiting (written May 21st, 2022, revised May 26th, 2022, revised June 26th, 2022, revised August 16th, 2022, revised November 24th, 2022, revised April 21st, 2023, revised April 27th, 2023, revised May 19th, 2023, revised July 28th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023, and revised November 18th, 2023 and revised May 18th, 2024)

[I feel like I need to clarify why there are so many 'revised dates' on this 'update,' just like there are often times so many 'revised dates' on other 'updates' similar to this one! You see, I really try to keep my writing consistent as possible across all of my blogs. Therefore, as I am writing, I try to use the same phraseology wherever possible with regard to similar types of my writing so that, when I am editing my writing, I can change all of the similar writing at the same time and in the same way! Thus, a lot of the revisions indicated above, after my name (–Paul Whiting), and shown right after the original 'written date,' are often times due to these aforementioned consistent-writing revisions.]
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May 21st, 2022 Update—Continued [My Writing About Celebrating Armed Forces Day As A New Tradition For Honoring The Service And Sacrifices Of U.S. Military Personnel (for 2022)]: I have decided to start a new tradition as a way to "salute" U.S. Military Personnel in honor of Armed Forces Day!

Instead of having a celebration on Memorial Day—because that holiday is really designed for grieving, and/or mourning, and/or paying respect to those who have died while serving in the U.S. Military—I think that the celebration to honor the service and sacrifices of U.S. Military Personnel should really be on Armed Forces Day.

Thus, I plan to have a holiday dinner on Armed Forces Day, and I also plan to listen to patriotic music, as a way to celebrate the many freedoms that we enjoy in the United States of America thanks to the service and sacrifices that are made, each and every day, by U.S. Military Personnel!

–Paul Whiting (written May 21st, 2022 revised May 22nd, 2022, revised May 29th, 2022, revised August 16th, 2022, revised December 27th, 2022, revised May 19th, 2023 and revised May 20th, 2023)

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May 1st, 2023 Update: May is Military Appreciation Month! And I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, May 1st, 2023, with the subject line, "A Military Appreciation Month gift for you!", which stated the following:

Happy Military Appreciation Month, Paul!

We’ll be celebrating this special month with all sorts of ways to honor and support our heroes in uniform, but first, we’re kicking it off with a special digital giveaway for our most dedicated military supporters — including you!

We designed these exclusive phone backgrounds with patriotic Americans like you in mind, and we hope you love them as much as we do. Click here to choose and download one now and show your military pride this Military Appreciation Month!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD***

We’re so grateful for supporters like you who help keep our brave troops connected to family, home and country through every step of their military journey. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for everything you do to stand with our troops.

[Name redacted], USO

Happy Military Appreciation Month! 🇺🇸 In honor of this special time of year, we set a goal to reach 150K signatures on this thank-you card for our troops - but our deadline is approaching and it looks like we're missing your name!

SUPPORTER ID: 5********5
SIGNATURE: MISSING

We know you're a patriotic military supporter who wouldn't want our troops to feel forgotten as they risk their lives to protect our country - so please, don't miss this chance to show them you care. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬?***

-USO

We’re halfway through Military Appreciation Month, Paul!

As we continue to celebrate this special month and honor our heroes in uniform, we’re inviting our most dedicated military supporters — including you — to write a personalized message to our troops to thank them for their service.

SEND A MESSAGE TO OUR TROOPS***

As a military spouse, I have a deep understanding of the challenges our troops and their families face every day. From deployments to PCS orders and relocations, it never gets easier being away from your loved ones — and I know just how much a few words directly from you would mean to our brave heroes this month.

Your message will help send support to heroes like my husband who risk their lives day in and day out to defend our country. It’ll make such a difference for service members stationed far from home to know that folks back home understand and appreciate the immense sacrifices they make for us.

That’s why we need 50,000 dedicated military supporters via email to write their own unique personalized message to troops before our midnight goal deadline. Please, will you write a note now to show your gratitude for our courageous service members as they sacrifice everything to protect our country?

SEND A MESSAGE TO OUR TROOPS***

Thank you for voicing your support for our military heroes, today and always.

[Name redacted], USO

There’s a service member who really needs to hear from you.

A simple “thank you for your sacrifice” will mean so much. Send a message to the troops today.

And so, I decided to send a message to the troops for Armed Forces Day 2023 with my official Armed Forces Day poem titled, "The Soldiers Of The Cross" (which was originally published on my "Small All White in the Forest" blog), as follows:

Insert a custom message here...

Armed Forces Day:

"The Soldiers Of The Cross"

When everything is gone, which
you thought could never be taken;
And your morale has up and left you...

https://smallallwhiteintheforest.blogspot.com/2010/05/for-armed-forces-day-soldiers-of-cross.html

Sincerely,

First Name: Last Name:
Paul Whiting

Then, after I shared my "The Soldiers Of The Cross," poem, I made a one-time donation to the USO (United Service Organizations) on the USO.org website that is the donation I mentioned above in my 'May 20th, 2023 Update,' which also appears as 'My Writing About Armed Forces Day (for 2023)' on some of my blogs.

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month! –Paul Whiting (written May 20th, 2023, revised July 30th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023 and revised November 18th, 2023)

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October 24th, 2023 Update No. 7 [My Writing About How I Have Changed The Way That I Label My Blog Posts 'Updates' For Any Additional 'Updates' That I Write, After The First 'Update,' By Using A Simple Numbering System, Which Starts With The First 'Update' (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog)]:

I have changed the way I label the blog post 'updates' that I write because I oftentimes write more than one 'update' per day!

And in the past, I have labeled the second, third, fourth and fifth 'update' with the following extensions—on the days that I write more than 'update'—to differentiate any additional 'updates' from the first one, as follows:

[1st] Month Day, Year Update
[2nd] Month Day, Year Update—Continued
[3rd] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further
[4th] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further Some More
[5th] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before

However today, October 24th, 2023, I actually had more than five 'updates' to write, so I decided to change how I differentiate any additional 'updates,' from the first 'update,' by using a simple numbering system, which actually starts with the first 'update' that I write, as follows:

Month Day, Year Update No. 1
Month Day, Year Update No. 2
Month Day, Year Update No. 3
Month Day, Year Update No. 4
Month Day, Year Update No. 5
Month Day, Year Update No. 6
Month Day, Year Update No. 7

Therefore, that is why this 'update' is the seventh one for today! –Paul Whiting (written October 24th, 2023 and revised October 28th, 2023)

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May 1st, 2024 Update No. 1: May is Military Appreciation Month! And I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, May 1st, 2024, with the subject line, "This Military Appreciation Month, remind our heroes how much their service means to you", which stated the following:

IT'S MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH!

★ ★ ★

MAKE SURE OUR SERVICE MEMBERS KNOW YOU SUPPORT THEM!

GOAL: 150,000 SIGNATURES

SIGN THE CARD NOW***

May is Military Appreciation Month, Paul. And we want to invite you to take a moment and thank our heroes in uniform.

Top military supporters from around the country are coming together to recognize everything our brave service members do for us: From risking their lives in some of the world's harshest and most isolating conditions to sacrificing time with their families, our heroes deserve our unending gratitude and recognition.

That's why, in honor of Military Appreciation Month, we've set a goal to get 150,000 grateful Americans to sign our thank-you card via email and text messages by the end of the month. Please, show your gratitude as a top military supporter by signing now:

★ ★ ★

Happy Military
Appreciation Month
– we appreciate
everything you do!

ADD YOUR NAME***

Our service members continue to make tremendous sacrifices day in and day out — from providing humanitarian relief around the world to keeping us safe back home.

The men and women in our military are heroes. And all too often, they don't get the recognition they deserve.

Truly, the least we can do is ensure they feel the gratitude and appreciation from top military supporters like you. So please, take a moment and sign our Military Appreciation Month card for our service members before our goal deadline.

ADD YOUR NAME***

Thank you so much for supporting our heroes in uniform.

The USO

SIGN THE CARD***

secure.uso.org
https://secure.uso.org › donate

Uso - Official USO Website

We're thanking our troops with shows that boost morale. Donate today to show your support. Our military heroes make incredible sacrifices. Support them with a donation today. 200+ Centers worldwide. 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. Give hope to the wounded. Boost troop morale.

And, after I read the search results above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

★★★USO★★★

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR AMERICA’S TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Honor their sacrifice by making a donation today.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Amount

[  ] $35
[  ] $50
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[  ] $500
[  ] $1,000
[✓] $ 25.00

Name

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Cell Phone (optional): [redacted]

DONATE $25

Your donations will support:

Transitioning Troops and Deployed Troops

During deployment, you can provide troops with a connection to their families, along with entertainment and relaxation. After service has ended, you can continue to support troops as they transition to civilian life.

Military Families

You can help keep families strong and connected both during and after deployment. The USO provides a wide range of programs that support the entire family every step of the way.

Wounded Warriors and Families of the Fallen

Some troops return home with physical or invisible wounds. You can provide therapeutic and reintegration services as they navigate the road to recovery. You can also provide support to families of troops who have paid the ultimate price while serving their country.

Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Post No. 228: For Armed Forces Day — "The Soldiers Of The Cross"

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