This is an open letter to all women and men of the Armed Forces, past and present:

Whether you volunteered or were drafted back in the day – Thank you for your service!

While no one in my family was ever in the military, we all benefited from your sacrifices and efforts. You see, my family were Jews in Poland during World War II. They were all rounded up by the Nazis and sent to concentration camps. Only a very few survived. And they were liberated by members of the American military. So you see, if it were not for you, and those that came before you, I would not be sitting here writing this.

On those days when you feel forgotten and that no one cares, think about this: There are people like me out there who remember you everyday. We may not be lining the streets and waving flags, but we send care packages to our troops in harm’s way, and we write e-mails lobbying for your benefits and care for your families. Because, whether you know it or not, you have changed lives. And you made mine possible.

No matter what we think about any individual conflict, you put your bodies on the line in service to us. Remembering our Troops and honoring our Vets is the least any of us can do. I think. I’ve done a very modest tribute in Flamingo Fotos today, too, to Thank You For Everything You Do!