Editor, OBSERVER:

I belong to a self-advocacy group for people with disabilities called Make a Mark. I’m writing because I want to let all of the soldiers who fought bravely in Afghanistan know that they are indeed appreciated for their sacrifices for the past 20 years.

These brave men and women for 20 years stood up against terrorism so we can be free from terrorist attacks here in America and Afghanistan. These brave men and women gave of themselves and many have lost their lives and limbs because they stood up for what’s right.

Many of these brave men and women left their families with young children and fathers have missed the births of their own children because they answered the call of duty. Many children have lost one or both of their parents fighting in a war they believe was the right thing to do to make this world a better place for their children to live in and grow up in.

These brave soldiers, both men and women, didn’t fight in this war for 20 years for nothing. I think because of this war that lasted 20 years has kept us safe for 20 years, but I’m really worried about another terrorist attack. Since President Joe Biden pulled out our troops before our citizens and the Afghani citizens who helped our troops whose lives are now in extreme danger.

I care about them and so does the Make a Mark self-advocacy group and so does every hard-working, red-blooded American citizen that still loves this country we call home, call America.

I believe America is still the land of the free and the home of the brave, even though we have a president that is trying to take all of that away from us. We as Americans need to keep standing, keep fighting and never give up hope for a better future for our kids and grandkids.

God bless the American soldiers and God bless America, my home sweet home.

JEN MEYERS,

Fredonia