Dear Shawn

I’m writing this letter to tell you thank you. I am so happy that you came home safe. You helped us out so much in Iraq. You were so brave going into battle and you still are. You need to be recognized most of all for your courage. For what you did you should be proud, and I know you are.

First of all, I just want you to know that I look up to you and you are one of the bravest people I know. You gave so much to go out and fight for us. You risked you life for us every minute. From driving the platoon Hummer to dodging mortars, RPG’s and bullets.

I wrote you a very special poem, I hope you like it….

Tears
Memories are forever
Some you don’t want to remember
You spent your time behind enemy lines with bullets passing by
From sad times of loneliness and sorrow
To joyful times of bunk games and stories
We wonder if your O.K. but all we can do is pray
We cry in secrecy as our tears travel throughout the world
From Iraq to Connecticut
And Asia to New York
We miss you as you miss us
As we send a message of love
You return changed, as we have changed also
Sad tears become tears of joy
All are proud
Months passed by
Yellow ribbons still up and flags half staff
For the soldiers that are yet to come home
And tears drop as we know that you are safe at home.

Austin Vaillancourt
12 years old