An Open Letter of Thanks to Veterans

American Thinker ^ | November 11, 2007 | Kyle-Anne Shiver

[neverdem]

In my opinion, our American military veterans have really gotten the public shaft for nearly 40 years.  So, I'm determined to put in my two cents' worth for anyone who cares to read it. 

Let me start by simply saying, "Thank you." To every man and woman who preserved my liberty this year, and for all of you who have ever proudly worn our Nation's uniform, I say, "Thank you!"

Today I read a book, which I bought from a bookstore a mile from my home.  There are more books in that Barnes & Noble than once filled an entire library, and they represent the independent thought and ideas of thousands and thousands of people living free.  For this weighty privilege, I say, "Thank you!"

Last Sunday, I attended mass with my family.  We worshiped God in the exact manner of our own choosing.  And I am sadly reminded that there are millions of other people still suffering dire religious persecution, even death, doled out by governments that do not respect this inalienable right.  To all my American soldiers, past and present, I say, "Thank you!"

Our daughter went to college classes today.  There she studies and argues with her professors.  She is hammering out her own view of the world in safety, and with the dignity of a free woman in charge of her own destiny.  To all of you veterans, wherever you are, she and I say, "Thank you!"

For the dozens of freedoms that we ordinary citizens have enjoyed every single day of our lives in America, we are grateful to you.  We take it all for granted, you know, and only express our thanks one day a year.  I'm ashamed of that, truly ashamed. 

We hardly ever stop to even consider the sacrifices you have made and are making this very day in far away places, with scant comfort, if any at all, and yet you don't complain.  You just continue to serve and give and demonstrate genuine love for us every day.  Day in and day out.  In danger.  In fatigue.  In strange places all over the world.  We are more indebted to you than we will ever even comprehend.

I am ashamed of my Countrymen who denounce you, who call you despicable names, who tell the world you are criminals.  These scoundrels don't deserve the freedom for which you risk your lives.  But the truth is that none of us deserves what you do. 

And it is also true, that unless one has been in battle, one does not truly understand the depth of your passion for liberty.  To families that have borne no soldiers, you are an enigma.  To cowards, you are a shaming presence, a constant reminder of their weakness.  To your parents, you represent both the mountaintop of pride, and the deepest valley of concern that mothers and fathers can ever know.  And to most of us ordinary citizens, you are the unseen, under-appreciated protectors of all that we hold dear.

I have lived in America all my life, for 56 years now, and every single night when I have laid my head upon my pillow, you were somewhere watching over my safety.  For every single one of those nights of peaceful rest, I simply say, "Thank you!"

You serve and fight for the greatest Nation in the history of civilization.  There has never been a grievous wrong that good Americans have not sought to rectify.  There has never been a just cause on which America has turned her back for long.  You, our soldiers, have been and continue to be, the greatest force for freedom and human rights ever gathered.  You have raised our flag around the world, not for domination, but to bring greater liberty and a better way of life.  You are the reason America remains a beacon of hope to the entire world.     

You seek neither glory nor riches, nor even fame.  You are our best, our brightest, our bravest.  Please always know that even when we don't show it, we love you.  We appreciate you.  We thank you.  And we will never forget you or forsake you.

Kyle-Anne Shiver is a frequent contributor to American Thinker.

[P8riot]

I’m humbled. USN 1974 - 1994

[Grunthor]

Beautiful post.

U.S. Army ‘89-95, 99-02.

[neverdem]

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[SheLion]

[PzLdr]

You’re more than welcome. The honor was ours.

CPT., ARMOR
MACV, Class of ‘71

[SheLion]

Maine Rebel was my hubby for 34 years.  He served 26 years for our Country.

He was a combat Viet Nam Vet with two Purple Hearts. I miss him SO MUCH!!!

[359Henrie]

You are not the only one who misses him, hang in, and live.

[neverdem]

I’m sorry for your loss. You have my sincere condolences.

[yorkie]

Oh, SheLion, I am so sorry for your loss.

Today seemed to be a hard day for those of us who are missing veterans. Tomorrow will not be such a hard day. I hope we will be able to thank Him for giving us the time we had with those special Heroes, be they friends, brothers or sisters, fathers or mothers, husbands or wives, relatives or loved ones.

They loved our Country.

There has to be a very special place in Heaven where they all are together - some singing, some marching, some doing calesthentics, some standing at attention, saluting our beautiful flag - but all smiling with tenderness on those of us they had to leave behind.

Blessings to all who are missing their ‘special Vet’, today!

[SheLion]

Oh, SheLion, I am so sorry for your loss.

Today seemed to be a hard day for those of us who are missing veterans. Tomorrow will not be such a hard day. I hope we will be able to thank Him for giving us the time we had with those special Heroes, be they friends, brothers or sisters, fathers or mothers, husbands or wives, relatives or loved ones.

They loved our Country.

There has to be a very special place in Heaven where they all are together - some singing, some marching, some doing calesthentics, some standing at attention, saluting our beautiful flag - but all smiling with tenderness on those of us they had to leave behind.

Blessings to all who are missing their ‘special Vet’, today!

Oh I know the Lord took him for a good reason. He served his last 7 years as a First Sergeant, and what with the terrorism today, I  believe the Lord needed a good 1st Sergeant!!!

He sure was a good one here on earth.

And I am SO sorry for your loss as  well!

[JRios1968]

Thank you!
USAF 1993 - 2004
USAF Reserve 2004 - 2006
...and trying to get back in for the remainder of the 20.

[yorkie]

I hope you are able to get back in! Good luck in your endeavor.

Isn’t the B-2 Spirit a close relative of the Flying Wing? (I believe it was a Northrop design)

[neverdem]

...and trying to get back in for the remainder of the 20.

I'm in a similar situation. Good luck! I've said some prayers for you.

[JRios1968]

The B-2 is a direct descendant from the Northrop YB-49 Flying Wing. In fact. shortly before he died, Jack Northrop was taken into a Top Secret briefing by the Air Force, and he was shown the design for the B-2.

Thanks!!

[JRios1968]

And I for you!

[SheLion]

You are not the only one who misses him, hang in, and live.

What? Did you know him????

[SheLion]

I’m sorry for your loss. You have my sincere condolences.

Thank you SO much.  It's not easy losing a spouse!!

[Doogle]

Thank You,
..and for all the family members who give so much...

[Doogle]

...and to my fellow vets, past, present, and future...a toast..*clink*