Monday, November 11, 2013

On This Day and Every Day

For those of us in the USA, today is Veteran's Day. A day to remember and give thanks to those who have served our country in the military. Every day I am grateful that I live in this country and have the freedom to write as I wish, worship as I wish and work for what I want. And on this day and every other day there are ways to give back.


Writers are generous people. Check out these writers who are donating the proceeds from their books to help veterans in some way. Marie Gilmore is donating the profits from her book about running a small business to pay for WWII vets to visit the war memorial in Washington DC. I wish my father could have seen before he passed away. He's the handsome guy on the right, this picture taken during in Japan at the end of that war. Thanks, Marie.

Ivan Mehosky wrote The Story of a Soldier about his father. He's donating all the profits to the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The care his father had for the troops who served under him inspired Ivan's book and his generosity.

Readers are generous people too. Books for America is a website where you can click through to Amazon and have a share of the price go to this benevolent organization. Read this quote I lifted from their homepage. They have many ways to donate books to help young people read.

61 percent of low-income families have no books at all in their homes for their children. Families living in poverty must use their financial resources to pay for food and shelter, not books. Reading Literacy in the United States 

There are many opportunities to donate books if you know where to look. We have local organizations who collect books along with other items to send to our troops. Others that collect books to re-gift to people who don't have access or the means to have their own books. And it's not a one way street. Giving feels to good. Knowing someone might have the chance to fall in love with books as you have is a terrific feeling.

Many writers have involved themselves in anthologies where writers work together to raise awareness and funds for a cause. How about the Holiday Food Drive Blog Fest being run by Tina at Life is Good? It's a great idea.

And on a note that hits close to home for many of us, Nick Wilford's stepson, Andrew, passed away a few days ago. Many of you know Nick from Scattergun Scribblings and have also heard of the anthology, Overcoming Adversity, he put together to support Andrew. Kyra Lennon is putting together something to support Nick and his family during this difficult time. Please visit her site for details on how to donate.

I'm betting that all of you have even more suggestions of ways we can honor veterans this day as writers. And as readers and writer and plain old citizens of the world, there are so many ways we can help others. Please share in the comments what you'll be doing to honor veterans today. Also share any causes being promoted by you or writers you know across the blogosphere. We're all about the links here, so let us know where we can make a difference.

11 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

HI Joylene .. I had no idea about Nick - thanks for posting about it .. I have been feeling so much for them .. and was loving that Andrew was joining Nick in NaNo ...

Nick has been amazing supportive for his family - and yes I'll be over to Kyra's site ...

Just devastating to think about ... Andrew had many talents apparently and to not see them fulfilled ... so so sad.

I acknowledge all those mourning ...

The book donations - I do donate my books out .. but the charities make some money .. but you've added another thought ... a book as an extra at a food bank or probably a church would be better ...

Thanks for posting - so pleased I made a timely arrival ... Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Then I note the post is by Susan - so I now acknowledge you .. still just knowing is important .. thanks - Hilary

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

We're all feeling for Andrew's family, Hilary. Thanks for stopping by.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Wonderful way to honor veterans today, Susan. There are a lot of ways to give. And some really cool programs, like the one that flies Veterans of WWII out to DC to see the memorial.
Prayers for Nick's family.

Pat Hatt said...

Lots of ways to help out indeed and great idea

cleemckenzie said...

Wonderful way to thank our vets and to help kids who have no books.

My sympathies to Nick. So sorry to hear of his loss.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

My thoughts and prayers go to Nick and his family.

J.L. Campbell said...

It's wonderful that America dedicates a day in honor of those who sacrificed for the country.

Praying for Nick and his family.

Sherry Ellis said...

Very nice tribute for Veterans Day! I was shocked when I read about Andrew on Alex's blog. My heart goes out to Nick and his family!

Michelle Wallace said...

A wonderful tribute.
In our local gazette, I noticed that a well-known all-boys high school commemorated their annual Armistice Day with a special Remembrance Assembly, to pay tribute to Old Boys who died while in service, and they made mention of a number of different wars.
Other schools also held similar events, all on a different scale/level...
My heart goes out to Nick and his family at this time...

N. R. Williams said...

I didn't do a lot on Veterans Day. My health isn't good. But I do donate food and books whenever I can.
Nancy