WAA/Mike Pollino

COURAGE: The ability to do something that frightens one. Strength in the face of pain or grief.  I believe that everyone of us has courage in our own way.  In today's world, it takes courage just to get out of bed in the morning, to face the day ahead of you, to meet the unexpected or the unknown.  When I think of the true meaning of courage, I think of the men and women who served their country and looked death in the face every single day, that to me is courage. 

 Sure, they were scared, terrified, yet they had the courage to face death or severe injury for a belief, a conviction.  We use words such as honor, bravery, hero, all of them befitting, I like to think of courage.  I've been behind a lot of people and causes in my life, I've believed that I was doing the right thing and stood firmly behind that person or that cause.  I've been wrong more than I have ever been right.  This is the one cause that I know I can't be wrong about, 

I'll never turn my back or throw in the towel when it comes to my belief in this effort.  Wounded Warriors Project, Homes for Hero’s, The Fischer House, The Howard S. March Jr Foundation, The WWII Museum and Homes for our Troops, all causes that I proudly support, donate my time to and gladly contribute to as well.  This is not about me or my beliefs though, it's about THEM, the courageous ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice, their lives.  They never asked for anything in return, not recognition or medals, they selflessly gave their lives, some suffered, others still do.  

The holidays are difficult for many, including myself. There are families today that continue to push forward when they don't have the strength to take another step, that's courage.  This is a movement, this is right and it is true.  Again, I don't ask that you share my compassion for this cause, I only ask that you take a second to think about those who served, gave their lives and are solemnly buried at cemeteries across the country.  

I should have started this weeks ago, but less important things somehow took priority.  I've set a goal to reach 100 people that take a second to donate, to sponsor 1 wreath.  The deadline is the 15th, I certainly didn't allow a whole lot of time and it will be a challenge...but all it takes is one to step up.  Every cent donated will go straight to the Wreaths Across America Foundation, every wreath sponsored will be laid in front of the courageous individual who was laid to rest for eternity in that hallowed ground.  

You have a chance to make such an impact, to touch the souls of families that you may never encounter.  You may feel that you haven't made a difference but you don't understand how much of a difference you truly are making.  I want to be remembered as someone who did believe, someone who made a difference...don't we all?  This is your chance, right here, right now.  

Sponsor 1, just 1 wreath and afterwards take a second to reflect, feel good about what you just did.  You will have made a difference, an impact and at the same time, honor those who are truly the courageous.  It's a lofty goal to accomplish in such a short time, but nothing is impossible.  

I will be at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday the 17th and will be laying the wreaths throughout what I consider to be one of the most powerful and moving places on this earth I've ever stepped foot on.  This will be my last posting, I will leave it up to you, I will say no more and let you decide. 

All I ask for is to try and find it in your hearts, maybe you won't feel the way I will when I see your name listed under those who donated, but if you choose to donate we will both send you a personal note and I will share with you some examples of just how your donation made a difference, an impact, you can't be wrong about this.  After all, they paid with their lives...all it will cost us is $15.00.  

To those who have already donated we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Feel good about what you did, feel proud.  We need your help and there isn't any time to spare.  Don't do it for me, do it for THEM.

Thank You, Happy Holidays to you, your families and your loved ones and most of all God Bless!!