LETTERS: GRANDDAUGHTER THANKS WWII VETERAN

To the editor:

I am a World War II veteran with over three years in the Army and over two years of that in the European Theater of Operations. On Veterans Day there was a lot of discussion and comment on the sacrifices made by veterans, especially those who gave their lives so that we may all have the freedoms and lifestyle that we are accustomed to and enjoy.

Some of these discussions center on the attitudes of the younger generation. Do they really appreciate and understand the contributions made by the women and men who are veterans? To give one answer to this question, I am submitting a letter I received a day or so after Veterans Day from my teen-age granddaughter:Dear Grandpa:You'll be getting this a little late for what it is meant for, because I'm writing this on Veterans Day. Today at school we had an assembly for the occasion. As the band and orchestra played the national anthem and the veterans from all of the wars saluted the American flag, all I could think about was you. I think I stood a little taller and held my head a little higher as I felt a chill go down my spine.

Im sorry it took me so long to realize how special you are to this country. If it weren't for men like you, Grandpa, this entire country might be under Nazi control. I never really thought about it like that before, but one of my friends brought it to my attention, and then I thought about how thankful I am to have this free place to live in.

You know, I think we have lost a little patriotism in this country, especially now during the rough time with the president. I don't think we take the time to say thank you to all of the veterans who made it possible for us to even have a president. I am so proud that my grandpa is a veteran. I don't think I could say thank you enough for what you did for me, but I hope by this letter you see that people still care and are thankful for what you did.

Grandpa, once again I'd like to truly say thank you, not for just serving in World War II, but for being my grandpa. I love you.

Love,MarcieMarcie's letter brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat, but I think she also shows us that today's young people may not be an ungrateful or as insensitive as they were thought to be. Marcie's letter was not a school project or a suggestion from her parents, but came from her heart, and I am proud of her.

Marcie lives in Sikeston and is a sophomore at Sikeston High School.

SYLVESTER ELFRINK

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