Today is Veterans Day. The reason you get to run today is because of selfless and brave acts of others. Yesterday I was reminded of some of those acts and gained a new appreciation for what soldiers and their families go through.

Ryan and I visited the National World War I Museum in Kansas City on our way home from the Pilgrim Pacer Marathon. What a perfect way to remember veterans who gave so much so that we may have so much. I learned an infinite amount of information while visiting the museum including:
-over 29,000,000 million people in the world lost their lives as a result of WWI
-trenches were a huge part of this war and each country had a very different approach to building and maintaining them; this lead to success or death
-living conditions in the trenches were unimaginable
-a pilot’s life expectancy once he began flying in the war was only 3 weeks. That was not a typo 3 WEEKS! Imagine being that pilot, or being a pilot’s wife, mother, sister, son or daughter. Talk about sacrifice.
-it took the help of not just veterans, but their wives, children, communities, etc to help fight this war.

I could continue, but I will share some photos I took to help you see what the museum included. If you are ever in Kansas City, check it out. Why is this museum in Kansas City? Well, a group had the idea in 1919 after the war ended and in 10 days the city of Kansas City had fundraised 2.5 million dollars to build the museum. Kansas City residents also voted for sales tax to update and improve the museum in the 1990’s. Way to go KC!

You can go to the top of the tower and see views of Kansas City.

Tickets were only $14 per person. Very reasonable for what you get to see.

This photo reminded me of reading the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poem was written about World War I. I read the peom when I was in elementary school for a Memorial Day service of the American Legion. My grandpa is a Korean War veteran and my birthday is on Memorial Day, so I was a fitting choice to read that day.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

inside a trench

View from top of tower.

Be motivated to run this week because you can. Run because you live in a safe and free country that lets you. And before you run-thank a veteran and their family.

Thank you to all veterans and your families. Thank you to my stepdad, grandpa, and friends who have served. I am forever grateful for your service.

Make time to honor veterans in some way today. Happy Veterans Day!