The 2004 GRAND
PRIZE WINNERS are . .
.
In the "Under 12" Category: Jennifer Hakala
(Click
here to read her letter)
In the "12 to 18" Category: Lucas Johnson
(Click here to read his letter)
In the "19 and Over" Category: Billie Jo Youmans
(Click here to read her letter)
2004 Grand Prize winner Jennifer Hakala -- Under 12 category
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
Click here for "12 to 18" winner Click here for "19 and Above" winner
2004 Grand Prize winner Lucas Johnson -- 12 - 18 category
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
Click here for "Under 12" category Click here for "19 and Above" category
2004 Grand Prize winner Billie Jo Youmans -- 19 and above category
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
Click here for "Under 12" category Click here for "12 to 18" category