As we look toward celebrating Thanksgiving in the U.S., it’s nice to see folks focused on being grateful. Whether it’s a social media post, or just simply reaching out to a loved one, many expound on the multitude of things they are thankful for in their lives.

And then there are others.

The reality is that in this country, you have every right to choose. Be thankful or don’t. Be happy or not. Speak out against something you believe shouldn’t happen, or choose to stay silent.

Whether you are the type of person who loves this time of year, or you detest the holidays, you have that right. And those rights are protected by brave men and women who choose to leave their own lives, their own family and the safety of their own homes to give us the freedom to choose.

What If We Didn’t Have the Freedom to Choose?

Don’t misunderstand – we are not diminishing the travesties that do occur, nor the sadness that we see. But there is a lot we have in this country to be grateful for, including:

• Freedom of Expression – that does not just extend to the press, but to everyone. You can verbally disagree whenever you choose.
• Freedom of Religion – attend church, or not. Choose your type of religion, attend when you want, even online, and do so without persecution.
• Freedom to Vote – our election system may not be perfect, but it does provide a way for the people to cast their ballot of choice.
• Freedom to be Free – you can choose your clothing style, hair style, body modifications, drive a car, ride a bike, choose public transportation, eat healthy or eat French fries regularly. You are free to make a multitude of choices every single day, most of which you take for granted because you have never known anything else.

We Are Thankful

As Americans, we have opportunities to make choices about our own lives every single day. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty darn great. And we have that opportunity simply because our veterans chose to stand up for our rights, even if they don’t agree with our position.

Heroes on the Water provides therapeutic kayak fishing experiences to veterans and their families because we know how much we have to be thankful for, and who to thank. Our veterans return home often struggling, and they deserve our gratitude, and our support.

Our communities benefit from those brave men and women who often decide to continue to fulfill the purpose they began in the military by serving as first responders. They come home and protect our property, our lives and our freedom – just like they did in the military.

When you are really thinking about the benefits you get to enjoy in your life, remember this – it takes an Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, National Guard, and Coast Guard to allow us to enjoy those freedoms. To give us the opportunity to be happy, or sad, or mad. To speak up or stay silent. You have the freedom of choice, thanks to the brave men and women who protect that every day.

We are thankful for our heroes, both active-duty and veterans, and are proud to support them in returning to a bountiful life.

Show your thanks – support our veterans and their families through the gift of kayak fishing. Donate today