That special time of year has come again when we smell those yummy familiar Thanksgiving scents permeating through the house. Some of our tables are set in fancy table- and silverware adorning a grand centerpiece of candles and holiday greenery. Or maybe you’ll gather around the picnic table outside by the turkey fryer with disposable ware. Whichever the case, I hope you all have a wonderful day with those you love and remember someone who might have been with you who served up more than turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce, but rather, they serve or served our country with their best.

Husbands and wives, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers from state to state across the U. S. feel the sacrifice of our deployed troops all over the world. They are missing the warm embrace, that tender kiss, jumping in the lap or riding on the back of their loving parent who is far, far away. Our veterans and active duty want us to be happy and have a memorable day, but please remember to think of them at your dinner table and include them in your Thanksgiving memories from years past along with a prayer for their well-being and safe return back home to all of us.

Remember those who have lost their favorite veteran, widows and widowers and the veterans who have been widowed themselves. Be thankful . . . not just on Thursday, but every day for we are immersed in countless blessings. Thanks to our good and gracious Lord and the men and women who serve our great nation. Thankfulness, too, is due to our Law Enforcement, Firemen and Women, E.M.T.s and First Responders. We are safer and/or saved because of them and they too sacrifice much for all of us right here at home.

If you’re in Manteo and have a chance, please stop by the Island Holiday Craft Show and obtain your Dare County Veteran Discount Card, (see more info below) and while you’re there, notice the beautiful custom handmade cedar wooden porch swing, the chain kit and stainless steel hardware that will be the premier raffle donation over the Friday/Saturday show from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This same valuable swing was also donated last year by this thoughtful crafting couple Mike and Lyndi Harris of Harbinger that was won by Kathie Harkness of Manteo. Mike and his wife Lyndi want to help the church ministries, so they’re donating another one to be raffled again this Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday at 5 p.m. (you don’t have to be present to win, but someone will need to pick it up for you that evening)! The couple also have craft booths offering wooden and hand painted artwork etc. and they are a truly an exceptional couple! We are very grateful for all the vendors and their donation of an item from their table for our raffle drawings of which proceeds help support our ministries. The proceeds for the swing raffle is separate and apart as its value is $250 alone! If you partake in the swing raffle but don’t win, you can also order a swing/other items from Mike and Lyndi that you will see at their craft booths.

Again, we hope to see lots of veterans come to get their free Dare County Veteran Discount Card, enjoy the fellowship, yummy food and this special shopping experience! Call me if you have any questions at 252-202-2058 or write to me at giglineheroes@aol.com.

Until next time, be happy, be safe, be proud of our outstanding U. S. Armed Forces and be THANKFUL! We are blessed beyond measure! God bless you all! Stay tuned!

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