I personally have not been affected by the heartbreak of losing a soldier in combat. Many of my family members have served, and my great-grandfather served in the Navy and received a Purple Heart after being wounded in battle. I cannot represent on the behalf of others, but I believe these fallen soldiers deserve the utmost, sincere respect and recognition.

To A Fallen Soldier,

I don’t want to start with saying, “Thank you for your service,” because I’m sure you’ve heard that a million times. But one thing I would like to address is your act of bravery. As much as I would like to believe I could, I would never be able to fight in the way that you have for our country.

Thank you for putting your life on the line to protect me, my family and the millions of Americans who will never be able to fill your shoes.

Thank you for being a true inspiration to the thousands of young men and women questioning whether or not to enlist.

Thank you for the many missed holidays with your family due to fighting overseas, so that I was able to be home with mine.

Thank you for protecting my life every day; it is because of you that I don't live in fear.

Thank you for sacrificing the ability to watch your kids grow up so that one day I will be able to see mine grow.

Most importantly, thank you for putting your life at risk so that I am fortunate enough to see another day.

Much of the time, your service, and selflessness of defending our country go unnoticed. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are official holidays created for Americans to realize how lucky we actually are to have people fighting for their lives to protect us. Personally, I believe that soldiers don’t receive as much acknowledgment as they deserve.

Every day, millions of young American men and women, just like you, risk their lives so that we are able to live ours.

From a civilian like me, I thank you for everything you have ever done. As many letters or care packages that we could send, nothing will ever repay your acts of courage and loyalty to your country. As a result of your bravery, you chose to enlist in what I believe tobe one of the hardest jobs known to man. I could become a teacher, lawyer or doctor, but nothing will ever compare to the work you have done.

You chose to leave your family and everything you’ve known to move to an unfamiliar territory where you will ultimately fight for your life and the lives of millions of American citizens. My love and support will never be enough to thank you for the heroic actions you have pursued.

But once again, thank you.

With love,

A Civilian Who Is Blessed Every Day By Your Honorable Valor

Don’t forget to thank those who have fought / are fighting for our country; they’re fighting for your and your family’s lives.