In March of 2003, the Center for Individual Freedom began offering a forum for those wishing thank America’s fighting men and women, many of whom are abroad, defending our freedom. Since then, thousands of people have posted messages of thanks. Some of the authors gave only a first name, and some gave no name at all. But their comments convey an unparalleled sense of appreciation for our men and women in uniform. With so much rhetoric now focused on the politics of war, we wanted to present a few of these comments and try to refocus attention where it belongs: on our troops and their mission. The following is just a tiny selection of messages that we received. If you’d like to read more, click here. If you’d like to post your own message of thanks, click here.

How does one interact with a patriot who puts his life on the line daily for freedom? It cannot be with insincere gushes of emotion; nor with endless philosophical ramblings. Rather, it must be with humble respect and devoted awe; for they are the angels that have responded to the call to sit on the borders of freedom and experience in their everyday the horror of the life and death struggle for freedom and justice.
           —Jonathan Switzer

To the men and woman engaged in battle, remember and know, you fight for the country George Washington and Thomas Jefferson built. A country worth fighting for to the death. Be proud forever.
           —Anthony Castaldini

Everyone has to make choices in their life. They must stand up and be counted or stand aside and let someone else do it for them. You all are standing as tall as can be. As an ex-veteran let me say I couldn't be prouder.
           —Pawnee David

No words can express how very, very grateful my family and I are for the hard work and service you give to our country, during peacetime and in war. Although we may not realize it or give it a moment's thought, our freedom and way of life (even to do the most trivial things daily) are due to your efforts in defending this country. It is true: freedom is never free.
           —John Sasso

Mere words cannot express our gratitude and deep respect for the men and women who choose to serve in the US Military. Each one of you are making sacrifices and facing dangers that we cannot imagine. While we can never repay you for your service to this great country, we CAN promise to honor the freedoms for which you fight, and to exercise that freedom responsibly — in our speech, religious worship, daily actions, and our vote. We pray daily for your safe return to your home and families.
           —The Ices

There is no higher calling than the defense of freedom. You are, each and every one of you, heroes of the first order.
           — Tom Fontaine

I cannot begin to express the gratitude and pride I feel for the unselfish sacrifices you all are making to protect and defend that which we hold so dear — our freedom.
           — Denise R

On behalf of my newborn daughter — THANK YOU for making sure she grows up in a free country, and in a world where champions still answer the call to protect civilization.
           — J. O'Toole and family

We appreciate all our men and women in uniform and your commitment to our great country and to the ideals for which it stands. You have our love, support, respect, gratitude, and prayers, as you carry out your important mission.
           —Donald & Kathryn Johnson

A great big thank you for all the light and goodness that you shine onto this weary world. I am so very proud to be an American, and so in awe of each and every one of you, for defending our freedom with such honor, courage, and compassion.
           — Elizabeth

You are part of a mission that is changing the lives of millions both in our country and abroad. From this day forward, you will be able to tell your children and grandchildren that you were there when our country changed the course of history and brought freedom to millions. Yours is a story that very few will ever be able to tell.
           — Darlene Baker

How do we fully thank those, and the families of those, who gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting for all freedom loving people and our God given right to be free? How do we thank those who do come home wounded or safe and now try to return to their normal everyday lives? From the bottom of the heart of one proud American to all of you, I say THANK YOU the only way I can and pray that you will feel the sincerity of those two little words for your heroic acts and sacrifices. We all fly the red, white and blue a little higher now because of you and yours.
           — S. Brooks

Lexington, Concord, Gettysburg, Belleau Wood, Normandy, Iwo Jima.....Baghdad. The list continues on! Thank you all for our freedom, and the freedom of an ungrateful world. God bless America!
           — Paul

Never in my 87 years have I witnessed so much support for our soldiers. Your service is appreciated each and every day by the majority of your fellow Americans as we recognize that you are contributing to the welfare of not only our country, but advancing the cause of the oppressed people of our world. May God bless and keep you safe.
           — John Walborn

Different gear, different country, same old grind. Thanks for being there for us, from a WWII vet.
           — Buz Whiteley

Don't ever for a minute think that what you are doing over there goes unnoticed by the people at home. We love you and support you and pray for you each and every day.
           — Dixie

As an aging warrior of the past, I just wanted you to know, from my family and I, that this family is your family, now and forever. We love each and every one of you, and we pray daily for your safety and homecoming. Thank you so very much for your service.
           — Rick Taylor