To whomever this may concern,

I am just a girl that grew up in a small town. From my small town, I gained some things like my manners, my sense of family and community, as well as my love for the United States of America and our Armed Forces. In today's society, it's hard to be someone who loves America so much. Every time I get on social media I see things about how people hate President Trump, and because of that, they hate the country in general. I have also had someone look me dead in the eye and tell me they hate America. I do acknowledge that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however, that is one opinion that breaks my heart. I have some advice for those that say they hate America.

First I pose a question. Do you really know what you're saying when you say you hate America? For example, here in the United States, we have rights that aren't ever taken away from us; one of them being the right to free speech. Free speech is what allows you to say you hate America while living in America.

Now, pertaining to our rights; we, as Americans, are blessed to have so many rights that other people in other countries do not have. However, to get those rights and keep them, men and women in the United States Military are fighting every single day to ensure that we get to keep our rights. I personally have many friends that are currently in the Military and have family members that have served in the past. When you say you hate America, you're actually saying you hate the rights that you have and in turn, you hate the men and women that are fighting or have fought for your rights.

Now, I have a challenge for anyone who may say or be tempted to say that they hate America. Would you be willing to lay down your life for your rights or the rights of others who are ungrateful and don't care? If you answer no to this, then the next time you are tempted to say you hate America, I suggest you think of something different to say because it breaks my heart to hear someone say that they hate America.

I couldn't imagine how it would make a veteran, a soldier who is currently serving, or the family of a fallen soldier feel when they hear that phrase. Whether people like to admit it or not, we are all extremely blessed to live in the land of the free because of the brave, and that is something we should never take for granted.

I'd personally like to thank all of the service men and women that are currently serving, the veterans, and the families of the fallen for their sacrifices. God bless the U.S.A.