Operation Freedom Appreciation
Hero Next Door author Kristin Gilpatrick pushes Americans of all ages to try her "3-Step Freedom Appreciation Program."
"Too often, we forget to thank the men and women who sacrificed their time, their bodies, even their lives, for freedoms we enjoy," she says.
"That's why I developed Operation Freedom Appreciation. To participate,
just follow these three easy steps with a American armed forces service
veteran you know:
First, extend your right arm and hand toward the veteran, taking his or her hand in yours in an appreciative grasp.
Second, smile warmly and sincerely.
Finally, say, 'I just wanted to thank you for your service to our country to thank you for my freedom.'"
Note: You are free to repeat these steps with as many veterans - and other American heroes - as you know.
Gilpatrick's hope is every American will participate in Operation Freedom Appreciation with at least one Hero Next Door® they know in their own lives this Veterans' Day. "Together we can strengthen America for the future by remembering to thank those who built and kept this nation so strong before us," she stresses.
