I send this letter out into the depths of cyberspace in the hopes of having it reach as many of the United States military personnel as possible – especially the ones serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There are so many emotions felt and, yet, so few words that can express how I feel about you working to preserve freedom for all, fighting against tyranny and oppression, and keeping all of us at home safe and sound. I’ll try and put some of them down on this ‘paper’ for you.
Pride. In you, just an every day person, putting forth your time, energy, perhaps even your life, to serve a country you love dearly. To fight for a country you hold close to your heart, your soul.
Comfort. I take comfort in your courage, in your unceasing determination to do what needs to be done, to go where you are needed. I take comfort in the knowledge that while I am here, you are there, watching out for me.
Fear. I hear the news reports and I fear for you, for your family. I fear you will be hurt – or worse. I fear your family will get that dreaded phonecall or telegram. And yet, despite the danger apparent, you do waver in your determination.
Sadness. Hearing of the dead and wounded coming home to their loved ones brings tears as I think of how much you have sacrificed for your country – for me.
Hope. I have hope for the future because of you. Your strength of character, your drive to do what is right – it gives me a great hope for the future of all.
Love. Strange as it may sound – I love you. For all that you do for those who do not even know you. For those that do know you. For your family, for your country, for those in your unit. For your courage, your fire, your loyalty.
And finally, I give unto you the smallest two words ever invented to hold such a deep depth of emotion.
Thank you.
For without you, there would be no me. Without you, I might not be able to write this letter to you. Without you, how I view freedom would not be the same. Without you, my entire life might not be possible at all.
Looking back, it seems like so few words, yet they are all I have to give to you. So I send them, in the hopes they will brighten your day. In the hopes that you will know that someone does care for you and what you do – and cares what happens to you.
Yours,
Barbara
(Note: I put Soldier at the beginning of this, but this could be for an Airman, Marine, or Sailor.)
