For many Americans, Memorial Day is a the unofficial start of summer, and it is usually full of family outings to the beach, picnics and drinks, parades and parties. America dresses up in red, white, and blue, and we celebrate. We say thank you and honor our servicemen and -- women, and while they deserve our thanks, this day is not for them.

Many people confuse Armed Forces Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day, which is understandable, but there is an easy explanation.

I admit that, for a while, I was confused about the difference, and I would frequently thank active duty service members for their service on Memorial Day. But Memorial Day is not a day for those who are serving now or who have retired from service; it is a day dedicated to those honoring and remembering those who gave their all in their service. It is to those people, those who will never read this, that I say, "Thank you."

Thank you for your service. It is because of you brave men and women that I am able to sit at home and write this to you. It is because of you that I am able to go outside without being afraid. It is because of you that I can call America my home, the land of the free. It is because of you that I am free.

Thank you for protecting your fellow servicemen and -- women. So many men and women who lost their lives in service to their country did so protecting their fellow military members. There may be many branches of our military, but all members fight the same fight: to protect our country. To fight by your brothers and sisters until your last breath -- that is courage, and you are the bravest of the brave.

You will never see this letter, and for that I am so sorry. You deserve the utmost honor and glory for the sacrifice you have given your country. There is really no thanks that I can put in writing that is equivalent to what you deserve, but this is an attempt. You have not been forgotten, nor will you ever be. We may not say thank you as often as we should, but we as Americans know that our country would not be the same without your sacrifice. Your families and friends will never forget you and they think of you daily.

I wish there were a way that you could read this letter and know how much you are appreciated. This Memorial Day, we thank you. Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. You are not forgotten.