Monday, December 7, 2009

Let's Say Thanks

Bing Crosby's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" instantly topped the charts in 1943 as one of America's most popular holiday songs. It was the perfect sentimental wartime song with deep meaning to U.S. troops overseas during WWII. Sadly, it has tugged on American heartstrings during the Korean War, Vietnam, the first Gulf War in 1990, and the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. It has a special meaning to our GI's in harm's way and their loved ones back home.


In June 2006, Xerox launched Let'sSayThanks.com, a website that allows visitors to select a postcard designed and created by US children then add a personalized message to a soldier. The cards are then printed out and delivered to soldiers deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations. The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you will send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.
The postcards depict patriotic scenes and hometown images and were selected from children across the country. The postcards are distributed to various locations along with care packages from Give2TheTroops®. Cards should reach their destination in one or two months from the time they are submitted on the site.
Since its 2006 launch, the site has collected millions of messages for US troops around the world.
There will never be a way for Americans to accurately convey the admiration and gratitude that we have for people like you. I hope that this card finds you in good health, and that it brightens your day. Your courage and bravery for doing your job everyday allows students like me to have the ability to sleep safely at night. We are strangers to each other, but I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cara, Washington, D.C.



Know that you are deeply appreciated for all you do for us still in the States. Whether you are a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister or friend of someone here back in the States, you will always be a hero to an entire nation. We will keep praying for you all until the last troop member comes home!
April, Kingston, NY


I just celebrated my first birthday - it was happy and safe, in part because of your work. Please stay safe and take care!
- Matthew, 1 year old, Carmel, IN


Thank you for serving our country. I have two brothers who have served in Iraq. One did two tours and the other has done one and will be joining you again this fall for another tour of duty. Those of you who choose to put your lives on the line for freedom's sake are my heroes. I pray for your safety every day and trust that soon you will be safely home with family and friends. Thanks again.
Ventura, DE


As the daughter of a veteran of Korea and Viet Nam, I want to thank you for your personal sacrifice. My father spent much time away from my brothers and I during our childhoods, but we each understood that it was helping others to keep their families together, and to have the same freedoms we had. Our country was built on the bravery of men like you! God bless you, and we will pray for your safe return.
St. Louis, Missouri



Dear Hero,
I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate all you do for our country! Your dedication to our country is above and beyond, and we need more people like you. You should feel proud of yourself, and know that I am proud of you. Stay strong and remember we all support and honor you. Be safe and come back soon. You rock!
- Shelby

5 comments:

  1. What cool messages and pictures!!! And now, when more soldiers will be going overseas, these notes of appreciation are so very necessary! Thanks for sharing your finds!

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  2. I like everything about this idea. Thanks for letting us know about it.

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  3. They are so sweet, every one! I too appreciate out men in the armed forces..they are so amazing! God bless them and bring them home and bless this country too!!! Come say hi :D

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  4. I just sat next to a boy named Wes from San Diego, on his way home to meet a baby son he'd never seen. After 2 weeks, he was to return to Afghanistan. I was struck by his youthfulness. He was very excited and shaky. God bless him.

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  5. I think we all have a loved one or someone we know in the military these days. This is a great way to support out troups. Thanks.

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