"Letters TO the Front Letter Writing Contest"

GRAND PRIZE WINNING LETTER
2003 "LETTERS TO THE FRONT LETTER WRITING CONTEST"
19 & ABOVE AGE CATEGORY

Dear Service Member:

I just wanted to say thanks for having the courage to do what is good and right.

I'm a 22 year Navy veteran and I know what it is to be overseas and away from home for a long time.  I was also a prisoner of war when my ship, the USS Pueblo, was captured by the North Koreans.  My shipmates and I were held captive for a long, hard year.

Wherever you are stationed, in whatever billet or rank, you are important.  Day in and day out your work helps your squad, your unit, your division.  You may see combat, or you may not.  I pray to God you won't.  But you are prepared; your mission helps defend our freedom, so be vigilant on post, always remembering your training and procedures.

You can be certain that you serve a grateful nation.  The best nation on the face of the earth and one that is proud of you.  Because of your faithful service in the United States Armed Forces, our children and grandchildren will enjoy the blessings of liberty.

Thanks soldier, sailor, marine.  God bless you.

Sincerely, James D. Layton

BACK TO "GRAND PRIZE WINNERS"         BACK TO CONTEST MAIN PAGE          ALL ABOUT THE PLAY        HOME

GRAND PRIZE WINNING LETTER
2003 "LETTERS TO THE FRONT LETTER WRITING CONTEST"
12 TO 18 AGE CATEGORY

Dear Service Member:

I just want to say thank you for the tangible expression of pride you have given to our generation.  As young adults, we are assessed by the actions of the minority as drug users (and) teen parents lacking fundamental self respect.  Elders think that our pride is placed in objects and conformity to "our" materialistic world and sometimes they're right.  But, with your departure and service, it has become evident that any one of us could be in your shoes.  Suddenly, violence about what is considered "cool" seems a little less significant in comparison to the sacrifices you are making, ironically, to ensure our right to be shallow.  The bravery you show, the pride in your eyes, in the uniform, has enlightened and encouraged many to become something better, to rise above what's "in," to sacrifice, to attain pride.  You have changed so many lives . . .  my own included.

Thank you again, Emily Esser, age 16   

BACK TO "GRAND PRIZE WINNERS"         BACK TO CONTEST MAIN PAGE          ALL ABOUT THE PLAY        HOME

GRAND PRIZE WINNING LETTER
2003 "LETTERS TO THE FRONT LETTER WRITING CONTEST"
UNDER 12 AGE CATEGORY

Dear Service Member:

I just wanted to say thanks for fighting for our freedom.  Now that I'm in fifth grade I know what's keeping our country together and that's our freedom.

I've also learned that our nation is like a quilt and what keeps the squares, circles, and triangles together is stitches.  The little sections of the quilt stand for our people which come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.  The thread is our freedom which holds in our hopes, dreams, and wishes.  Without that, our nation would be broken. 

You are the most important part because nobody could make a quilt without a needle.   The needle weaves throughout its nation.  I know with people like you our country can sleep safe and sound.

Your fellow American, Taylor Waltman, age 10

BACK TO "GRAND PRIZE WINNERS"         BACK TO CONTEST MAIN PAGE          ALL ABOUT THE PLAY        HOME