Going My Way. Today

(I was not involved with so many active and retired military members until we moved down to Hampton, Virginia.  One of the parishioners of our Church told me that most Americans are not aware of all the humanitarian missions our military performs. I was so moved that I created a text and video celebrating these feats.  The video is now on our Emmanuel Facebook page if you wish to view. Or the YouTube link below.)

On the 4^th of July, we celebrate birth of our country and the strength of its endurance.

But strength comes in different forms.  It is not only power, but integrity, value and an unconditional compassion for all.

In 1945, Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe (C.A.R.E), one of the most recognizable humanitarian efforts, was founded.  In that year, 22 American Organizations came together to rush lifesaving CARE packages to Survivors of World WAR II.  Thousands of Americans, including President Harry S. Truman, contributed to the effort.

The first CARE Packages arrived in the port city of Le Havre on May 11, 1946. They consisted of surplus U.S. Army food rations that had originally been prepared for the planned invasion of Japan but were no longer needed after the war ended.

A typical early CARE Package contained items such as:

Canned meats, Powdered milk, Coffee, Sugar, Chocolate, Honey, Raisins, Margarine, Egg powder, Fruit preserves

For many families, receiving one package meant the difference between hunger and survival. Many German families were astonished that a country which was just engaged in war, could perform such a benevolent act.  So many were thankful, so many came to America to restart their lives.

It is acts of compassion like this, and the numerous humanitarian campaigns that our military performs that make me most proud of our Nation.

May God Bless America on its 250^th Birthday and bless all those who call America their home!