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The following letter from a Dutch citizen was received in 2003. |
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Thank you American Servicemen
Message from a European to American servicemen past and present : "lest we forget." You may have the feeling that europeans do not hold americans in high regard. That especially now, when you are busy fighting terrorism, we leave you alone in the midst of battle. But not everyone here in Europe thinks or feels like that. Lots of people here stand together with you. America has stood for what was right in the past and stands for what is right now. Where freedom is challenged by evil, american brave men and women fight and die to secure that freedom for each of us. I want to thank all american servicemen, the ones who fought for us in the past and the ones who are still fighting for our values, and our freedom. By this I try to express my thanks for what you have done and given for my freedom. I have the greatest respect and appreciation for you. You liberated us and gave us our countries back. There are lots of people here in Europe who will never forget your sacrifices. Thank you for transmitting the same ideals of liberty, freedom and peace to your sons and daughters who keep defending the free world, our world. We have not forgotten. You have not been forgotten. We are sending our gratitude for what you did down to our children and grandchildren. We will do this by teaching our children the price that was paid for their freedom. We will try to pass this feeling of gratitude to generations to come, for the people you liberated have not broken faith with you. We remember what you did and the price you paid. I will help my children understand the enormity of the gift that they each have been given. I will teach my children to see the price that was paid for their freedom. That thousands of americans died to assure that they, european children, are free. That those who died sacrificed everything they held dear so that we could be free. The knowledge of how precious this gift is will help them understand that these men did not die in vain. That even if we don't remember or know the names of those who died for us we should hold sacred the cause for which they died. I will tell my children that lots of american servicemen gave their lives with no expectation of anything in return. This gift of freedom was fought for and was given to me with no strings attached. I will tell my children that they gave their lives and their legacy lives inside me and my only responsibility now is that I protect it well so I can pass it down to my children and all future generations. That only if we live under the delusion that we are somehow entitled to freedom have we broken faith with those who died. I will tell them that we are living their legacy and we must not be oblivious to their sacrifice. American Servicemen: Again....Thank you, I have the greatest respect and appreciation for you. A dutch Citizen The Netherlands |
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Maps & Events__•__Photos__•__Medals__•__The Enemy__•__Home Front Voyage to Peace__•__Through the Years & Now__•__Final Salute__•__Links |
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©2011 David P. Crews. All rights reserved. Contact us for information about the use of photos or content from this site. |
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