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Thank you doesn't seem like saying
enough to all of you wonderful men and women of the United States
Army, or as my family and I like to say "Our" Army. I'm sure you're
wondering what motivated us to contact you, so please let me
explain. Over the past few months here in our hometown we noticed
that there had been a change in people's attitude toward Military
Service. We didn't see the Yellow Ribbons and American Flags like
we used to and it seemed that the idea of another Terrorist Attack
was farther and farther from people's minds. Everyone forgot that
we truly do live in a dangerous world and there are indeed certain
groups of people who wish us harm for simply being American. To us,
this is a far cry from a few short years ago when everyone knew the
quality of those that serve our country and were deeply committed
to supporting their efforts.
Sadly this all changed with the
Terrorist Attack on Fort Hood. I say sadly because until then many
of our fellow citizens had turned a blind eye toward the Military,
and it took something of this magnitude to bring it all back into
focus, at least for a little while. I guess it is easy for some to
forget that there are American men and women who are bearing
hardships that are unimaginable for the ordinary person, and just
enjoy the safety they provide in blissful ignorance. Before that
Friday there were only vague stories about the sacrifices and well
being of individual Soldiers; now every News Network and Paper has
an opinion about the Stress Levels of every Soldier. It is funny
now that we are constantly reminded we cannot discriminate against
an entire religious group for the actions of a few, however, that
is what is happening to you the American Soldier. The actions of
one individual are not seen and reported for what they are and
instead the Mental Stability of all Soldiers is being called into
question so as not to offend anyone.
When I think of this I have to admit
that I as an American am profoundly ashamed. Not for my actions but
for the actions of the vocal few who have taken this tragedy as an
opportunity to further an agenda at the expense of the best and the
bravest of this country. I think of myself as a simple man who is
neither well traveled or versed in the ways of the world, however,
I do know that even though the majority of Americans know the
truth, this behavior is detrimental to the Morale of Soldier and
Citizen alike. A Soldier knows better that anyone the costly price
of Freedom and he or she carries this knowledge quietly so that we,
the ordinary Citizens of our great land, do not have to. I find it
disturbing that there is a belief now that the Military and
Violence go hand in hand when in reality there is nothing further
from the truth. A Soldier never prays for War but spends many a
private moment praying for Peace.
At a time when we, the ordinary
Citizens, are consumed with Carbon Emissions and Universal Health
Care, we do find it all too easy to forget those that truly make a
difference in the lives of people around the world, the United
States Armed Forces. Again, the vocal few ignore the amazing
accomplishments of our Military over the past 8 years and focus on
issues that sound really good but in the long run don't accomplish
very much. I won't pretend to understand the nuances of
International Diplomacy or Domestic Policy, however, I do know that
there are tens of thousands of people in war torn areas who greet
even a rumor of the arrival of the United States Military with
gratitude and relief. They do this because they know that with
these Men and Women comes a chance for peace, security, and the
hope for a better tomorrow. I am not sure why we don't see more of
these facts on the Evening News.
Our family simply believes that the
efforts of the United States Army are just, and they are having an
impact far beyond the security of our beloved country. I hope with
all of this you will understand why I had to do something to let
you know that you are appreciated, and why that I could not go
further without saying I'm sorry. I apologize as a Citizen of the
United States for the way we as a people have treated you, the
Hero's. I truly wish that I could have come up with something that
would have been an inspiration to you but all I can offer is the
voice of one American family to simply say "Thank You".
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