Dear Sis,

As Veteran's Day approaches, I wanted to write and thank you for your years of service in our military. My only way of showing you my appreciation is by using the written word. I know you think protecting our country is a job that anyone would do, but they won't. You are very brave to risk your life for me and our country.

I have never gone to bed hungry because my village was destroyed, or there were enemy soldiers on the street that wouldn't let me leave to find a food reserve, or I couldn't find something safe to eat.

I have never gone to bed worried for my family's safety because bullets were flying or bombs were dropping from the sky.

I have never had to go into hiding and been reduced to a number; my identity tattooed on my arm. I have never had to worry about being a woman here in America. I have never had to worry about being any less than who I am.

I have never had a friend maimed or killed because we chose the wrong field to play ball in and old mines had not been cleared. I have never been in fear for my friend's life because of complaints with the government they might pass to me.

I have never had nightmares, burned into my mind of corpses littering the streets. I have never had scenes of battle trapped in my memory, never to get out.

I have always gone to sleep at night with a full stomach and Mom tucking me into bed and whispering good night. You have made it possible for me to live a life without fear and uncertainty. You have protected me, our country and our people. I will have to write to Grandpa next to thank him for his service, as well. He lost many friends in the Vietnam War. I am proud that you decided to take up the family tradition by joining the military. My love for you is too immense to be expressed. I am so proud of you and the people who serve with you for being brave enough to take on the challenge of keeping us safe.

My gratitude is great and eternally yours,

Your little sister

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So, in reading this again, I realized why my sister cried.

I actually won first place in my city, and in my district for this piece. It was sent to regionals, but I never heard how I did on it. Apparently, the judges liked how I approached the prompt. Other contestants just wrote it as an expository essay, and they liked how I used a different idea. Yes, my sister is actually in the military. In the Navy, to be exact. My grandfather was in the Marines and did lose many friends in the Vietnam War.

If I made you cry, it was not my intention! I'm sorry for making you cry. I do hope this pulled a few heartstrings, though. Hope you liked it!