#FF Friday's Fabulous Finds: Celebrating Independence & Honoring Veterans

*Photo Credits

Thought for the Day: Here are some touching stories for this week. It is important to remember those who have sacrificed for our independence.  My intern, Steph Jacovino, found some wonderful posts that remind us what Independence Day is all about. She also helped prepare the image for the post (let her know what you think!)  I am fortunate to have my team of interns helping with the blog! Have a wonderful weekend!

Sad But Touching Story Found Online By Amanda (Proud Military Wife) From Marine Family Network  1/6/13  This week, while some of us are celebrating Independence Day with bonfires & barbeques, other families are wishing for their soldier to return home safely. Whether in life, or in death, our soldiers deserve to be remembered, especially on this holiday. This is for all of our fallen soldiers. We thank you for your sacrifice, so we can continue to celebrate our freedom.

Facebook Reunites Deployed Soldier’s Son with Lost “Daddy Doll”
By the Huffington Post  6/28/13
What happens when an entire Facebook community comes together to help a young boy? Last week, over 26,000 people came together online to share a photo of a lost “Daddy doll,” a stuffed figure of a deployed soldier. The doll was later reunited with its owner, young Judah Gossett. His father is currently serving his fifth tour overseas in Afghanistan.



Disney’s Madison Pettis Surprised on Talk Show [video] By Welcome Home Blog  7/9/10

Young actress, Madison Pettis, has been acting since age five. Since then, she has starred in Disney Channel shows, movies, & commercials. But the fame isn’t the only thing this young star is dedicated to. The young actress supports Trees for Troops a service that gives Christmas trees to military families and soldiers abroad. Watch the biggest surprise this teen has had in many years!


Kids sing for America: The Ultimate National Anthem [video] By Stephanie Bousquet  From Hooplaha  6/28/13 This compilation displays some of the best talent from our nation, in children from all walks of life. Definitely a must-see for anyone feeling patriotic this weekend. Great job, kids!

Marine and K-9 that Saved his Life Reunited By Walt Buteau From WPRI Eyewitness News, 6/25/13
Lance Corporal Bradley O’Keefe was reunited with the dog that saved his life. O’Keefe & Earl, the military dog, were reunited over three years after the explosion that separated the two. Now, Earl is safe at home with O’Keefe & his sister, who initiated the reunion.


*Photo Credits:
Earl from www.NBCNews.com
Daddy Doll from www.HuffingtonPost.com
Madison Pettis from www.justjaredjr.com
Child singer from www.thestir.cafemom.com
American Airlines photo from www.underconsideration.com
Airplane from www.science.howstuffworks.com