Dear Service Member:
I just want to say thanks for who you are and what you do. There are thousands of service men and women, each one making a difference in every American's life, and you could have easily put all the duties of an American soldier on their shoulders, but you didn't. You devoted yourself, for that I thank you. You are a soldier. A warrior, the dedicated few, blessed by God, who risks their lives for me, for us, for Americans. A flag here, an Uncle Sam there, yes, that shows patriotism, but you are a soldier. No ribbon, or cartoon, or piece of red, white, and blue cloth could ever show as much patriotism as you live everyday. Your camouflaged or Navy blue uniform tells the world of your loyalty, for that I thank you.
Now, you must hear "thank you" from hundreds of people, but that is not enough. You salute the flag every day, but we should be saluting you. For each and every reason above, I thank and salute you. And each of you I trust, God bless you and may your life be filled with joy.
Cherishing your patriotism,
Jennifer Hakala, age 11
Dear Service Member:
I just want to say thanks for fighting for the U.S. and keeping us safe. I know I speak for everyone when I say we can sleep much more soundly because you are fighting for America. I know you are probably missing your family right now. Thanks for keeping me and my family safe, even while you have to be away from yours. Even though you may be homesick, don't give up. Keep fighting the good fight. You're making a huge difference to the world.
I'm a Boy Scout. I just came back from a campout two days ago. The night I left, there was a dedication to the people who'd made the campout possible. They announced the camp director's name, but they also mentioned U.S. troops throughout the world. You should have heard the applause that night. It was deafening. I thought I'd go deaf from the noise because everyone there, including me, was clapping, yelling, and whistling as loud as possible for the men and women overseas. You're a hero to the world. Thanks for volunteering to defend the U.S.A. I'm proud of all of you and America.
Yours truly,
Lucas Johnson, age 13
Dear Service Member:
I just want to say thanks to you and your family for your sacrifices but even more for your example of heroism. American society has a tendency to forget that the greatest heroes are the everyday people who sacrifice their plans for a cause greater than any one individual. You, as a member of the United States military, vividly demonstrate the heroism so needed by every American.
Thank you seems so inadequate but please know that it encompasses much. Thank you includes the child who glimpses that being a hero does not always bring glory. Thank you includes the Muslim mother who does not have to fear her baby will have to become a homicide bomber. Thank you includes the child who has a hope for a better future. Thank you includes the retired soldier who sees his legacy continue -- his hope restored. Thank you includes hearts touched, lives saved, freedom advanced.
You are, indeed, a hero bringing tremendous blessing into the lives of more people than you can even imagine. Our thankfulness and prayers extend beyond this world to Heaven above. May the God of love comfort and encourage you as you serve for us.
With love, prayers and appreciation,
Billie Jo Youmans -- age 40
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
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
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
