To the editor:

I wanted to take a moment and write a letter of dear thanks to those who deserve it the most. This is to the men and women of our armed forces, the only reason why we have the freedoms we do in this country. Our soldiers, airmen, Marines, sailors and Guardsmen deserve our deepest gratitude and respect. While many of us in Lawrence squabble over politics, we forget the very source of our freedom to do so.

Thank you, again, to our troops, stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean, sleeping in foxholes, flying over hostile territory, heading into the heat of urban combat just so that we can have a soft pillow to sleep on at night. We are often undeserving of your noble service because too often we forget you. You are in my prayers and have my deepest respect. May God watch over you as you watch over us.

Justin Smitley,

Lawrence