logo
Operation Thank A Veteran: Honoring heroes with heartfelt notes

Operation Thank A Veteran: Honoring heroes with heartfelt notes

Yahoo2 days ago

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — As the 4th of July nears, Presbyterian Manor is reminding us that patriotism doesn't have to be loud; it can be written in ink.
At Presbyterian Manor, it's not about parades or fireworks; it's about messages from the heart, as their Operation Thank a Veteran campaign is delivering cards to residents who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, Wichita Falls Farmers Market team up for seniors, WIC food
The campaign allows anyone, anywhere, to submit a message of gratitude online. Once submitted, staff members print the cards and hand deliver them to residents before the Fourth of July.
Jerri Thomas, Director of Marketing, says some of the most touching messages have come from people who have never even met the veterans.
'One time I got a message from someone that, said my unborn child thanks you. Thanks to you, my unborn child is going to live in a free country because of your service and your sacrifice and the things that you did to be a hero. They're so appreciative. It's amazing. Some of them have tears in their eyes,' Thomas said. 'One of the most common things that I hear is that they can't believe people remember because it's been so long ago. And we want them to know that it doesn't matter how long ago it was, their service counted. It matters.'
As Independence Day approaches, the message is clear: sometimes the simplest thank you is the one that matters most.
If you'd like to participate, it's free, just go to: Tribute Gift | Presbyterian Manor
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Free pet microchipping offered ahead of July 4 in Los Angeles
Free pet microchipping offered ahead of July 4 in Los Angeles

Yahoo

time16 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Free pet microchipping offered ahead of July 4 in Los Angeles

As fireworks light up the skies this Independence Day, LA Animal Services urges pet owners to take steps now to prevent their furry family members from becoming one of the many pets that end up in city shelters during the holiday. The 4th of July and the days that follow are the busiest time of year for LA Animal Services Centers, officials say. The loud sounds and bright flashes from fireworks often frighten pets, prompting many to run from their homes and become lost. To help ensure these animals can be quickly reunited with their families, LA Animal Services is offering free microchipping for pets owned by city of Los Angeles residents, while supplies last. Pet owners living outside city limits can also have their animals microchipped for a $15 fee. 'Microchips provide pets with a permanent ID that quickly reunites them with their families,' said Annette Ramirez, interim general manager for LA Animal Services. 'We encourage everyone to get their pets microchipped and make sure their contact information is up to date in the database.' A microchip is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, injected under the skin between a pet's shoulder blades. Each chip is linked to a national registry containing the owner's contact details. If a pet becomes lost, animal shelters and veterinary offices can scan the chip and reach out to the owner — making microchips a critical tool in reducing shelter overcrowding and reuniting families. Microchipping services are available at all six LA Animal Services Centers, which are open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Centers are closed on Mondays and city holidays. To find your nearest shelter or learn more, visit: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Elkins celebrates assembly of Gold Star Families memorial monument with a parade
Elkins celebrates assembly of Gold Star Families memorial monument with a parade

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

Elkins celebrates assembly of Gold Star Families memorial monument with a parade

ELKINS, (WBOY) — Before his death, veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Hershel 'Woody' Williams believed that no one should have to drive more than an hour to reach a Gold Star monument, and one of his last wishes was to expand the network of Gold Star monuments across West Virginia. With the help of a few patriots, Woody Williams' wish is being fulfilled in Elkins, as the city welcomed its Gold Star monument with a parade and warm embrace on Tuesday. 12 News spoke with Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco on why the city chose to honor military families in this way. 'We respect our veterans completely and we want to showcase that at any chance we can, and this is for those families out there who have lost family members that have paid the ultimate sacrifice, that have an empty place setting at the table, we want them to know that we haven't forgotten them and the sacrifices their families have made,' Marco said. Marco said that he hopes to create a veteran's park at the intersection of Harrison and Railroad Avenues. A groundbreaking ceremony will also be held next Monday for a life-size Rosie the Riveter statue in the same location. West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State returns to Davis & Elkins College But as for the Gold Star monument, its establishment was a joint effort between the Elkins Rotary Club, the city of Elkins, local veterans, patriots, and Dan McCarthy, who was the governor of the rotary district when Woody Williams passed away. 12 News also spoke to McCarthy on the importance of this monument. 'This is all about honoring those families that have lost someone in service to our country, and being a veteran, I'm probably as sensitive as anyone to the importance of recognizing those families. And we often talk about the veterans, but the families sacrifice as much as the veterans do in a different way. And sometimes, unless you've been a veteran, you don't realize how much the families sacrifice,' McCarthy said. The city of Elkins will host an unveiling for the Gold Star monument at 11 a.m. on July 5, after hosting its first-ever 4th of July parade the day before, both of which are open to the public. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Pastor opens dialogue on Christianity and LGBTQ+ in Rockford
Pastor opens dialogue on Christianity and LGBTQ+ in Rockford

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

Pastor opens dialogue on Christianity and LGBTQ+ in Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A Rockford pastor is working to bridge Christian theology with the LGBTQ+ community by hosting a conversation on Biblical scripture and sexuality. 'Just because it's not listed [in the Bible], that there are others within that spectrum, it doesn't mean that they're not God ordained,' said Zion Lutheran Pastor Mike Thomas, who led a conversation on Christian scripture and its relation to sexuality on Tuesday afternoon at Katie's Cup, 502 7th Street. Thomas said it took him 30 years to become an LGBTQ+ ally. 'I wasn't advocating. I was spineless,' he said. Today, Thomas is using Pride Month to open a conversation on how Christianity and sexuality intersect. 'We celebrate having conversations like this one today here, as well as at church on Sunday, to talk about what does the Scripture say about people who are in the gay community,' Thomas said. In many denominations, views interpreting homosexuality as a sin or aberration have softened, with recent studies showing a growing number of Americans support the LGBTQ+ community. 71-year-old Debbie Raymond said attitudes toward gay people have come a long way. 'At the beginning, it was very tough. You basically lived in a closet, you know, you didn't talk very much,' she recalled. Now, she's a proud member of the Lutheran church. Raymond credited events such as the one at Katie's Cup for helping to bring her and others back to religion. 'Go talk to pastors, go talk to congregations. You know, do your research, understand the first rule: I was born this way,' she said. 'It's wonderful to be able to change people's perspective on understanding what Scripture says, as well as what the central message of God's grace and mercy, through Christ. In the Gospels, that's the emphasis that we focus on,' Thomas said. Thomas also said he saw more Christian denominations than ever before at this year's on Saturday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store