Dear Soldier,

You’ve never met me or my family, yet you would jump in front of a bullet to protect my freedom. Thank You.

You may live in adverse conditions for months on end, fighting for my right to say whatever I wish to say. Thank You.

You kissed your spouse and kids goodbye for what could be the last time when you left for some foreign land. You will do everything to make it back to see your family again, but if you are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice, you will. Thank You.

You watch people on television calling you names, protesting about their unhappy lives, and throwing child like temper-tantrums; yet you smile and gladly protect their right to do so. Thank You.

You may have returned from battle, and even though you have left the battlefield; the battlefield still stays in your mind. Thank You.

You may hear Frenchman saying things like, “Why do we all have to speak English?” You quietly smile and remind them that your brethren worked hard to make sure they were not speaking German today. Thank You.

I see your family in the airports eagerly awaiting your return and see your children’s eyes well up with excitement the moment your uniform appears in site. Thank You.

I will always go out of my way to thank you any way I can, whether it is assisting your family at home, talking over a beer and cigar, or proudly flying my flag high. Thank You.

Please pass this on and remember that if you are reading this today you should thank a teacher. If you are reading this in English, you need to thank a soldier.