Dear Veteran,

It takes an unbelievable amount of courage to stand up and fight for this country. The amount of bravery you have to leave everything behind in America to go fight in an unfamiliar place is extraordinary. You have made so many sacrifices to fight for and protect this country, and for that, you have all my gratitude. Thank you for your service, and welcome home.

I am currently 17 years old, but I will be turning 18 within a few months. It amazes me that around this same time in your life, you joined the armed forces and fought for America. I can’t imagine how much courage that would take, and I know many young people in today’s society would not be able to handle that.

I am so thankful for your service. People like you are the reason that I’m able to go to school. People like you are the reason I can play the sports I enjoy. People like you are the reason I’m able to have dreams, have goals, have hopes for the future. Without people like you, we wouldn’t have anything like we do today. There would be no dreams. There would be no America. The difference you made with your sacrifices is bigger than I can put into words. I want you to know, you made a difference. Your actions have helped shape America.

You are a hero. You have changed the lives of so many people in America. The actions and sacrifices you have made are a service we will never be able to repay to you. I just want to sincerely thank you for all that you have done. For protecting this country. For fighting for what people like you have made the best country in the world. Welcome Home.