Letter to A Soldier

Dear Brian,

There is something I never took the time to say to you.

Thank you.

Thank you for risking your life to protect mine. Iraq x 2, Afghanistan x 2, Africa, and so many other places you've traveled to serve our country. Your strength is undeniable and courage unwavering. To put yourself in the line of fire, the special operations and secret missions you've accepted when you could have chosen another path is uncanny. I am so sorry for the pain you've witnessed and experienced - the horrible tales you could tell and the death of your fellow soldiers. I can only imagine the long walk to his parent's door that day, to tell them how you watched their son die.

I remember the nights you woke me with the tossing and turning, cold sweats and mumbled conversation of tragic memories. Yes, the time you were crawling in your sleep, frightened me. But how can I complain? You are the one who lives with all the wars still in your mind. You are the one who has sacrificed so much to protect me...to protect all of us.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, especially on this day. May God Bless you and all your fellow soldiers both alive and deceased.

-C



For each soldier that has fallen so that many may stand
We honor their spirit as they pass to God's hand
For without their sacrifice we would live forever in fear
We pray for their loved ones and provide a salute and a tear
God help us heal the wounds of hate and the misery of war
That is our gift to our fallen heroes that are amongst us no more.

~ Charlie Gragg