The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Thanks Veterans

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher

12 November 2003

Dear Soldiers,

I wanted to take time out today to thank you for defending all I hold dear.

For giving up time with your family, your friends, and in your hometowns, so I could be with mine.

I want to thank you for keeping the night oil burning, your weapon cocked in readiness, your strength up, and your mind alert to meet the unknown challenges so I may relax with my family around picnics, and swimming pools, and community socials.

While you were awakened early in the wee hours and were forced to be alert whenever duty called, I may sleep sound and secure knowing our homes and communities are safe because our military is standing guard.

Thank you for your loyalty to this country and for loving the freedoms she provides like you do.

Thank you for your disciplined life and for always being ready when called upon. Because you do this, many can take vacations, have weekends off, be home on holidays, and stop in to see family and friends at random.

Our days or work weeks seem long, but you have served for two, three, four years or more, with no guarantees and no sure ticket of ever returning home.

As you have protected our freedom to speak out, you must follow commands.

The peace you had here, you gave up for a time to protect the flag and the country you love and hold most dear.

Thank you veterans and your families, and those currently serving our great nation. We acknowledge that many have sacrificed great loss to keep this nation free. For that we can never pay back, except to salute the flag, honor its principles and ask God to continue to Bless America.

Thank you Veterans for keeping our homeland safe.