"This Memorial Day let's remember what it's really about; veterans and servicemen, not hot dogs and fireworks." As I scroll through my newsfeed, this is a message I see over and over again, especially as the unofficial first day of summer approaches. I would like to take this opportunity do my part in thanking our servicemen.

Dear Servicemen and women everywhere,

First and foremost, I'd like to thank my great uncle Sparky, who married my great aunt Phyllis before joining the military and going to fight World War II. When he passed away this past year, it broke my aunt's heart; they had been married for 76 years. I'd like to thank my mother's father and my father's stepfather, who were in the Navy and Marines, respectfully. Thank you for fighting for our country and coming back to an ungrateful country. Additionally, I'd like to thank my father, who was in the Army and then the Army Reserves until I was five.

My thank you reaches out to my boyfriend's side of the family and his grandfather, uncles, aunt and father. What's more, thank you for continuing on, serving your communities as fire fighters, EMTs, and paramedics. Thank you every time you leave your bed in the middle of the night, thank you for leaving the table on date night and for missing holiday dinners. And thank you to the families, who know that their mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, or son, is comforting, if not saving, someone else's loved one.

I especially want to thank the next generation of servicemen. When you entered the military after high school, people called you lazy, not smart enough, or just wanted a free ride to college. I wanted to apologize for anyone who's ever said anything cruel to you; I know you give a lot. You leave your friends, family, and home to protect us. Thank you Ben, my cousin, who will be going to Okinawa in July, and to my boyfriend's brother-in-law, Peter, who returned from Japan earlier this month.

I'd like to offer my thanks to everyone who's ever been in any part of the military or worked as a first responder, call-volunteer or paid. Thank you for protecting all of our rights and for being there whenever we call you.

Finally, I'd like to wish my sympathetic thoughts to the family of Officer Tarantino, a police officer who was shot and killed this week in Auburn, MA. As a member of the neighboring town, I am proud of how my community is responding, however, they should not need to. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, and for that we are forever grateful.

Most sincerely,

Erin