Day 12. Freewriting. Today is Veteran’s Day. The first word in my head is VALOR. Seems reasonable to use this moment to acknowledge my favorite men in uniform; the USMC.
Dear Soldier – Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for fighting wars we know nothing about.
Thank you for having patience with sketchy internet connections. Thank you for organizing video chats. Thank you for the flowers. Thank you for the bike rides. Thank you for the creepy mustache pictures. Thank you for staycations. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for thoughtful replies to letters. Thank you for having an open heart and embracing me as family. Thank you for being present. Thank you for being a PHENOMENAL sample to the outside world of what it means to bleed Red, White, & Blue.
Thank you for knowing how to seize the moment. Thank you for being a professional planner. Thank you for knowing how to find joy in the simple things. Thank you for giving hugs, like REAL hugs (not everyone knows how to hug anymore). THANK YOU! Your hugs are definitely something to celebrate.
Thank you for protecting our freedom. Seriously. Thank you for missing Sunday dinner with your family. Thank you for missing family reunions, birthdays, anniversaries and other important milestones. Thank you for being selfless. Thank you for prioritizing our needs (freedom) over your wants (freedom). That last sentence made more sense in my head…
Thank you for allowing me to be a tour guide. Thank you for letting me fall asleep on your shoulder. Thank you for keeping my business card. Thank you for comforting me when my hero died (my grandfather). Thank you for making my heart skip a beat on the beach. Thank you for adding ridiculous muscles to the volleyball game. Thank you for being [intelligent] meatheads. Thank you for being inclusive. Thank you for being positive energy.
To be honest, my acts of kindness were self-serving. We are not so beloved overseas and constant criticisms can be overwhelming. Having a dose of Americana filled my heart and reminded me of the amazing that is, Red, White, & Blue. So THANK YOU for being a much-needed reminder of home.
Making the decision to protect and serve is not for everyone. Thank you for demonstrating acts of valor. Today, Veteran’s Day, I thank you (publically) for being you. Seriously, You.Are.Amazing. Thank you for being our Hero. Thank you for your time!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
With tremendous love,
A grateful civilian
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