An easy way to say "Thanks!"

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. It's a holiday (hurray!) It's the unofficial first day of summer. This of course means Wilmington is about to be invaded by tourists. I've stocked up on canned goods, batteries, and water, so I think I am prepared for the long hot summer siege. I do wonder how gas prices will affect the crowds. We had Armed Forces Day last week, and maybe you've had trouble this week thinking of a way to thank a serviceman. Now tomorrow has snuck up on you and you are stuck without an idea. No need to worry. Courtney's always got my back, and this time she's got yours, too. The reason some people have trouble showing their appreciation for soldiers is that sometimes it can feel awkward. This happens to be one of the few times that I am not too shy to talk to strangers. You may recall that a couple of years back I met Joey Chestnut's brother. He was easy to pick out of a crowd since he looks almost exactly like Joey. I also happened to know his brother was/is in the service. Seizing the opportunity I made my way to him to shake his hand and thank him. I am not sure if he was confused that I knew him and he didn't know me. He may have been confused that I knew he was in the service. Or perhaps he was just confused that some stranger in a crowd at a hamburger eating contest was thanking him for being a soldier. So yes, I can see that it might seem awkward to you, or awkward to the soldier as well. But there is a solution Courtney forwarded to me:The Gratitude CampaignThere's a video and a short explanation on the website. It takes less than a minute or two to visit and read the whole website. I think that's sort of the beauty of it all. It's short, simple, and easy. But it is important. So this Memorial Day, while you are out enjoying the weather and the day off from work, don't forget the reason why we have the day off. Remember that our soldiers don't ever really get a day off, especially those in harms way. So if you want to thank them, but don't have the chance to buy them dinner or coffee; if you have trouble walking up to them and thanking them; if you only see them in passing, you now have the time and the way to thank them. "From the bottom of your heart." Oh, and thanks to Courtney, too, for passing this along!