Open Letter to United States Veterans

To all Veterans of the United States Armed Forces,

As we approach the official end of hostilities in Iraq, I would like to take this opportunity to send a message to all of you who now serve, or have ever served this country through military service.

From the “shot heard ’round the world” at Concord to present day conflicts, you have served this great nation and the world in ways that, all too often, no one else could or would. Not only have you sacrificed so much to establish and protect the freedoms and liberties we enjoy in the United States, you have given millions of people in other countries the opportunity to enjoy the same. The people of the United States of America and those countries you have liberated owe you a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid.

I believe it is important to point out to you that, although you have more than earned the right to express your opinions, the responsibility of justifying the worthiness of the battles you have fought is not yours. That responsibility belongs to the politicians who sent you to fight them. Your country called. You answered that call and did your job with both honor and distinction and therefore owe no explanations to anyone.

Unfortunately, there have been times in our history when you have not been given the respect or gratitude you so deserve. Some of you have been called horrible names and physically assaulted by those who have no clue when it comes to the price that freedom sometimes demands. Don’t allow those people to get to you. Know that I, like millions of others, understand the realities of the world in which we live and the important role our military plays in that world.

We all pray for the day when we live in a world where your service would become unnecessary. But until that day comes, if tyranny and oppression are allowed to go un-checked somewhere in the world, eventually it will spread throughout the world and we will all suffer.

Sadly, in war far too many people suffer and die. But because of the sacrifices you and your families have made, far more people now live in peaceful countries enjoying the freedom they had never before seen.

So the next time you see a “Support Our Troops” bumper sticker, or when someone comes up to you, shakes your hand and says, “Thank you for your service,” please understand that these are not gratuitous statements made to be trendy; we truly mean them.

Mere words cannot express the respect, pride and gratitude I have for the great job you have done or are still doing; not only for this nation but for the world. To those of you who have completed your mission, I say job well done and welcome home. To those who still wear the uniform, keep up the great work and come home safely. And to all Veterans of the United States Armed Forces throughout the history of our great nation, I say thank you so very much for your service.

Sincerely,

Ron Walker
Grateful American

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