For Veterans Day

Editor's note: Ekalaka Public Schools Social Studies Teacher Mr. Adam Miller recently tasked students with writing a letter for Veterans Day. Following are seven of those letters.

Dear Grandpa Ronald,

I would personally like to thank you for the sacrifice you have made for our country. You have risked your life for America, and on behalf of that I would like to thank you. Your service means so much to me and everyone around you. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of bravery it took to fight in the Korean War, as you did. We truly appreciate everything you have done for our country.

Sincerely,

Kendall Shepherd

Dear Annette Lovec,

I and many others thank you for what you are doing for this country. You are risking life and limb joining the military and going overseas. It is a very brave, admirable thing to do and I appreciate all the things you do for this country and its people, big and small. I am grateful to be blood family with someone who is willing and ready to possibly sacrifice themselves for something they believe in, that being the freedom of people like me. Being little kids making pillow forts, I never would have expected anything like this from you. You are somewhat responsible and very hardworking and I'm proud of the person you've become.

Sincerely,

Avory Matthews

Dear Veterans,

First off, I would like to thank you for your service to our country. Thanks to you I can be forever free. Everyday I am so thankful for your bravery, time and sacrifice. I hope you stay safe in every possible way and know how much our country appreciates you. I cannot imagine being in your shoes and having the courage to do what you do. My world would be so different without you protecting our freedom. I can live confidently and do all the things I enjoy like playing basketball, playing volleyball, spending time with family and friends, working for my family, and much more. I hope you can know that we support you and appreciate everything you do. Myself and many people look up to you and look to you as an example of bravery and determination. I will always respect you for what you have done or are doing for our country. So thank you for your service, bravery, determination, and sacrifice for my world and everyone else's.

Sincerely,

Nasya O'Connor

Dear Veterans,

About 10% of the United States of America are veterans. This small number, compared to the total population, shows how incredibly brave a service member must be. Many people can't imagine going to war, so for those that have, I thank you. I thank you for putting your life on the line to fight for the freedoms we enjoy. The Pledge of Allegiance says "One Nation Under God," this means all of us as one. You fought to keep this nation as one country for all of us to enjoy. Everyday I wake up, go to school and enjoy living in this country. But I know that you guys had a very different life, so I thank you for risking your life for more than you could even imagine. To those active in the service today, thank you for keeping the country safe. I pray that you stay safe and return home to your family and friends. I am very grateful to come from such a brave country. Thank you to all the veterans and active service members, you truly are appreciated more than you know.

Sincerely,

Heidi LaBree

Dear Ray Arnold,

I personally would like to thank you for your service. You and others have risked your own lives to give people like me a better life. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have the great life I live today. You are an amazing person who has done amazing things for this country. You might not realize it, but so many people are thankful and blessed for you and what you have done. Every year on Veterans Day we celebrate people like you because you need to be recognized for your amazing work and dedication. Every morning you probably wake up and think that you are a normal person, but you really are a hero for so many people and I'm sure many people look up to you. Thank you again for your work and service, America loves you.

Sincerely,

Carly Aho

Dear Dad,

Even though it has been over 2 decades since the last time you've served, we will always be grateful and thank you for your service. Not many people get to say that they've served for, and protected the United States. I'm thankful for what you have done and how you put others' feelings in front of your own and put your life in danger to keep us safe. Thank you.

Love,

Greta Barrett

Dear Veterans,

Thank you for your services and the sacrifices you made to ensure that the people of the United States of America are safe from harm. No one will ever know what you truly went through but there are many people that recognize and appreciate the sacrifices that you made for this country that we all call home. This all would not be possible without your sacrifices. The hard work and years that you put in to keep America safe gives civilians peace of mind and freedom. There are many people that take advantage of the freedom that you gave to us, and believe that it is free. But there are also many that realize that the freedom that we love so much is not free and it comes at the greatest price there is. You knew the price and were willing to pay that price if it came to it. For this you deserve the best that can be offered. Even though some people treat you in a manner that no one should be treated even after you gave them the right to be free. For this you deserve the greatest of gratitudes from everyone that lives in this great county that you provided.

Sincerely,

Brennen Bonsell