Memorial weekend

Hello everybody!
This past Sunday I was honored by being invited to Cragun's Resort in Brainerd, MN for their annual Memorial Day event(s). They hosted the Cragun's family fun day and I've got to say- that was a BLAST! They started the morning off with a parade around the back of the resort, on the shore line! I had my very own golf cart, and Bailey Wachholz (MMOT 2012) got to drive me! (: Miss Central lakes OT Lizzy Thurlow and Miss Brainerd Lakes OT Serena Schriefels; was in a golf cart in front of Bailey and I! We almost played a game of bumper cars, but decided it wouldn't be the best idea for me to go to MAOT with broken bones! Maybe next time girls!(: After the parade, we all gathered on the lake shore in a little picnic area where a podium was set up! There were SO many amazing speakers at the event! They told of war, sorrow, love, peace, happiness, compassion, and heroism. Personally, I think the most touching speech was given by Col. Lowell Kruse. Every word he said truly came from the heart, I could see he was fighting back tears, and I myself was crying with the words he spoke. I never realized how much Americans take our military for granted. I was asked to speak, right after all of these amazing speakers, and I just felt unworthy! These amazing men who got up and spoke! Wow. I'm still in awe. Following the speakers; they retired the colors and the fun began. They had different vendors, food, live music, and games for all ages! It was so much fun! All of the queens had a caricature done, and they turned out pretty hilarious! I can't wait to frame these! (: at the kid's games on the beach- I approached a you g girl wearing a wolf ridge sweatshirt! For those of you who do not know what wolf ridge is, it is a camp that 5th graders go to for about a week to learn about nature, and I still think it was one of the best things I've ever done and completed! Well, I was talking her, Lauren, about her experience at wolf ridge and I asked Lauren what school she went to; she replied "Westwood" I was like, whoa, wait a second Westwood elem. in Prior lake, MN? She gets really excited and says YEAH! And then I asked who her teacher is, and she said "Mrs.Timmerman!" I was in shock! Not only did I spend my 5th grade year at Westwood elementary in Prior lake, I also had Mrs. Timmerman, and so did my older sister Chelsea! It really is such a small world! I ended the day riding in a military humvee! WHOA! It was so cool! Mr.Wenzel (I do not know his military status) drove Lizzy, Serena, and I and we had an absolute blast! We talked a lot about his experience being deployed twice over seas to Iraq, and we cracked some rumors! Yes, it is true that the boys over there constantly have their guitars out, and are constantly jammin'! Those Vehicles can seriously take a beating! We found that out the hard way when we backed into a tree!(: It was all in good fun!
On Monday I was invited to the Nisswa American Legion for another Memorial Day service! It was very very emotional! I did not speak at the event, I was simply there to give thanks to the veterans, the fallen soldiers, and the current and active military officers. I managed to keep my tears under control through out the program, but the minute the singer sung his rendition of "God Bless the USA" I lost it, and so did just about every other person in the audience. Halfway through the song when he sung "and we proudly stand up, next to you and defend her still today"; the entire room stood and sung along with him. It was so moving and so breath taking! I will never forget that moment. It was absolutely incredible.
Please take a moment out of your day to thank a military member, whom ever they might be! Shake their hand, nod your head, make it known that you respect who they are. We take our military for granted, and that is not right! Without the men and women risking their lives everyday for us, we would not have the many freedoms and liberties that we do today. I've made it my life mission to always honor those in the armed forces; and to always give a helping hand to those who need it.
Love Always and Forever,
Corrina Marie Swiggum!

OH! And P.S- my 16th birthday is on June 12th! 15 days away! (: don't worry, I will not be driving any time soon!