I should probably start off by saying that I have never been the girl who shows a lot of emotion. This is especially true if I do not know someone very well or I am not completely comfortable around someone. Because of these reasons, it is hard for me to go up to someone and just start a conversation.

So, it is completely outside of my comfort zone to go up to a member of the military and thank them for their service. The thing is I am actually very grateful for everything our troops do, and I hope this letter shows it.

Dear Soldier,

I would like to thank you for everything that you do for the country. You are protecting this country, and for that I am forever grateful. You have given up so much for this country, and I personally believe that is something that cannot be repaid. I am sorry about that, but I know many of you probably are not. Most soldiers, or at least the ones I know, believe having a free country is payment enough. I think that’s what makes you all so great; you give so much and do not expect anything back. I guess what I am trying to say is thank you for being so selfless.

I would also like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication. It is no secret that your training, or any part to being a soldier is easy. I always knew it was a lot of work, but I never realized how much it really was until my friends joined. Honestly, I still do not fully understand it because I have never had to do it.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your bravery and for being so strong. It takes a lot to give up everything and fight for others, yet many of you do it like it is nothing. In today’s world, it is hard to see the good in things and I think a lot people do not realize how lucky we are to live in the U.S. We are lucky because of you, because you are the good. You are selfless, hardworking, dedicated and so much more. So, thank you for everything that you do.

Sincerely,

The girl who believes “thank you” is not enough.