Dear Vietnam veteran,

I want to start by saying that I am so very thankful for your service. I know those words tend to get thrown around lightly, but I want you to know that I mean every single word. Your bravery and strength on behalf of our country is very inspiring.

I have so much respect for the fact that you surrendered your time to serve for our country. I can only imagine what it would be like to have to pack up and leave friends, family, and future plans. It’s mind boggling that I am a Junior in high school and many of you were first getting drafted at an age not much older than me. For most people, early adulthood is a time they treasure because it’s filled with college, partying, and overall fun; but for all of you who served, it was filled with battles, guns, depression and anxiety. It shows that beyond physical strength you also need mental strength to go to war and every single one of you endured that experience.

Many people tend to forget all that you Vietnam Veterans have gone through. I can’t imagine how it must have felt to arrive home after being gone for months only to be spat at and shamed by some Americans for your service; especially if you were expecting people to be proud of you. It’s sad that only in later years you received the respect and gratitude that you should have received from the start. I personally want to say I am exceptionally grateful for all that you have fought to provide for our country and the tireless hours of battle that you endured.

When I visited D.C with my dad on his business trip, he made sure he saved time for us to see the Vietnam memorial. I have gained so much more respect ever since then, especially after seeing so many names engraved. It sent a powerful message to me and others and, for some reason, seeing the names made it so much more real.

You have made such a big impact in our country by fighting so tirelessly for our freedom. You fought for me, my family, my peers, and everyone else in this country we are so lucky to call home. Thank you so much and God Bless you.