May 16, 2025 | Letters to Veterans
One Note, Meant for Thousands
Not every letter we receive at A Million Thanks is addressed to a specific service member. Some, like this one, are written with the hope that every single person serving our country could read it. That’s exactly what makes this note so powerful.
The writer begins with a simple, sincere wish:
“I would like to send a card to everyone! To tell them thank you!”
It’s not a long message, but it’s packed with gratitude. With phrases like “Great job” and “Keep up the good work,” the writer reminds us that appreciation doesn’t have to be complex. Sometimes, the best way to say thank you is just to say it—clearly, boldly, and from the heart.
A Handwritten Reminder: You Matter
What stands out most about this letter isn’t fancy wording or deep storytelling—it’s the tone. This letter feels like it’s coming from a neighbor, a grandparent, or someone who thinks about our service members every single day. It closes with a handwritten smiley face, and the final line:
That’s what makes it special. It feels personal, even without a signature. The letter reminds us that behind every soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine is someone at home who cares—someone who may never meet them, but still keeps them in their thoughts and prayers.
Letters Like This Make a Difference
This is what A Million Thanks is all about—people using their own words, their own handwriting, and their own hearts to say what matters. Whether your message is one paragraph or one page, it could be the encouragement someone needs to keep going.
Just like this letter, your words have power. They remind our military that they are seen, valued, and appreciated—by people they may never meet, but who are grateful for everything they do.
Nov 18, 2019 | Letters to Veterans
One Letter. A Thousand Thanks.
Sometimes, it only takes one letter to remind us why this mission matters.
Katie, a 20-year-old college student with no personal ties to the military, decided to write a letter through A Million Thanks. She didn’t know where it would go or who would read it. She just knew that someone, somewhere, needed to feel seen. Needed to feel appreciated. Needed to hear the words: “Thank you.”
“It is people like you who make me proud to be an American.”
Katie’s message was short, sincere, and full of heart. She thanked a stranger for their courage, their bravery, and their willingness to protect a country full of people they would likely never meet—including her. That kind of gratitude—simple, direct, and honest—can carry more weight than we realize.
Real People. Real Impact.
This is exactly what A Million Thanks is about. Not just letters—but connection. Not just words—but reminders that every service member matters. That their efforts, their sacrifices, and their daily acts of courage aren’t forgotten.
We send every letter knowing it might be the one that brightens a tough day, lifts a tired spirit, or simply reminds someone that their service is deeply valued.
Katie may never know who received her letter, but she showed up. She took five minutes to write something that could make a difference in someone’s life. That is the heart of this mission: ordinary people doing something meaningful for those who serve.
Want to Be Part of It?
Join us in sending gratitude across the globe—one letter at a time. Whether you’re an individual, a student, a parent, or part of a larger group, your words have the power to make a difference. It doesn’t take long to write a message of thanks, but the impact it has can last a lifetime.
Let’s show our service members—past and present—that their sacrifices are seen, their courage is honored, and their service is appreciated.
Nov 18, 2019 | Letters to Veterans
A Heartfelt Message from a Grateful American
Among the thousands of letters we receive at A Million Thanks, some stay with us. Katie’s letter is one of those. She’s not a soldier. She’s not from a military family. But she took the time to create something meaningful—because she wanted someone in uniform to feel seen.
Decorated with hand-drawn stars, bold words like “thank you” and “everything,” and a pink-and-blue American flag, Katie’s letter is full of emotion. It’s not polished. It’s not rehearsed. It’s real. And that’s exactly what makes it powerful.
Katie writes to an unnamed service member with sincerity and curiosity. She talks about bravery and sacrifice, imagining what it must be like to wear the uniform. She shares that her mom served as a military nurse and acknowledges how hard it is to step into the role of someone who serves. Even though she doesn’t know who will read her letter, she writes from the heart.
“First of all, I send a sincere thank you… I’m really, truly thankful for everything you’ve done for our country.”
This Is What A Million Thanks Is All About
We don’t ask for perfection. We ask for honesty, appreciation, and kindness. Katie’s letter is a reminder that anyone—at any age, from any background—can make a difference with just a few words.
When our service members receive letters like Katie’s, they don’t just see ink on paper. They see someone who took the time to care. They’re reminded that their sacrifices are noticed, their courage is honored, and their service is appreciated.
That’s the heart of A Million Thanks. We deliver letters filled with gratitude, hope, and support to active-duty, reserve, and veteran military personnel all around the world.
You Can Do This Too
You don’t need to know a service member to thank one. You don’t need the perfect words or fancy stationery. You just need a little time and a lot of heart—just like Katie. Your letter could be the one that brightens someone’s day when they need it most.
Nov 18, 2019 | Letters to Veterans
A Young Voice of Gratitude
When we talk about the power of gratitude, we often think of adults writing to express appreciation. But sometimes, it’s the youngest voices that say it best. Charles, a 4th grade student from George White Elementary School in Laguna Niguel, California, wrote a letter that captures everything A Million Thanks stands for—honor, appreciation, and inspiration.
In his carefully handwritten message, Charles thanks the men and women of our military for their courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. He recognizes that their service allows people back home to live normal lives, and he doesn’t take that for granted.
“Thank you very much for your courage, sacrifice, and patriotism so we can have normal life at home.”
Inspiration from the Next Generation
What makes Charles’s letter even more powerful is his sense of responsibility. He draws a connection between the commitment of our service members and his own goals—promising to be a straight A student and prepare himself to serve his country one day. It’s a beautiful reminder that gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it can be a call to action.
His letter ends with well wishes for Easter and a heartfelt “best luck to you,” reminding us that appreciation can be warm, simple, and deeply human.
Paired with a hand-drawn soldier and American flag, Charles’s letter is more than a note—it’s a keepsake of hope and patriotism from one generation to another.
Why These Letters Matter
This is exactly why A Million Thanks exists. Every letter—no matter the age of the writer—has the power to lift spirits, offer encouragement, and show appreciation to those who serve. Charles’s words may come from a child, but they speak to a universal truth: those who protect our freedom deserve to be thanked.
Nov 18, 2019 | Letters to Veterans
A Simple, Heartfelt Thank You
Sometimes the most powerful messages come from the youngest voices. Kesley Walker, a freshman in high school from Orange County, wrote a letter that’s sincere, personal, and full of appreciation. Paired with a hand-drawn American flag and the bold words “We Salute You” surrounded by colorful fireworks, the letter speaks volumes.
Without overcomplicating anything, Kesley shares a genuine sense of gratitude. The words aren’t rehearsed or overly formal—they’re honest and deeply felt. It’s the kind of note that reminds us just how much support from back home can mean to someone far away in uniform.
Compassion Beyond Gratitude
What makes Kesley’s message stand out isn’t just the thank you—it’s the empathy. In addition to recognizing the importance of our service members’ sacrifices, Kesley expresses concern for how they might be feeling and hopes things aren’t too difficult wherever they’re stationed.
The most touching part? Kelsey opens the door to connection, writing:
“It would be nice to get a letter back from you… maybe you just want to tell someone something that’s on your mind.”
That kind of offer—a space to be heard—shows maturity and kindness well beyond Kesley’s years. It’s not about asking for anything in return. It’s about recognizing that behind every uniform is a person who might just need a moment of understanding.
Why Letters Like This Matter
This is exactly why A Million Thanks exists. We believe every service member deserves to be seen, appreciated, and supported—especially through messages like Kesley’s. Even a few words from a student, a stranger, or someone miles away can remind a deployed service member that they’re not alone. You don’t need to be a writer or have military experience. You just need to care enough to reach out. Whether it’s a short thank-you, a drawing, or a heartfelt note, your letter could be the encouragement someone needs on a hard day.
