Messages Of Love & Support To Service Men & Women Are Cherished Pieces Of History

Each day we set foot outside of the comfort of our homes we pass by an American flag. It may be just outside our front door or wave proudly in the front of businesses on the breeze. This flag represents many things to many people. Red may represent the blood veterans shed on the battlefields here at home and abroad. The white for the handkerchief used to catch a tear when a loved one has been lost. Blue for the blanket of heavenly sky above us all that our men and women in the military guard with their lives everyday.

Like so many families in this country we have loved ones in the military. While American's may have different political opinions regarding war, we realize that the brave men and women in the Service are trained to fight for and preserve our freedom, and honor them with our support.

Along their journey ahead our messages of love and support will remind them of home. These letters will give them encouragement while they face each new challenge. They will also reinforce the bonds we share and become cherished pieces of history for future generations.

The Legacy Project

Volunteers of the Legacy Project have set out to encourage everyone to find and preserve their letters before they are lost or damaged. If the unthinkable should happen during wartime these letters help us honor and remember our nations veterans. Through their own words we can embrace and share their spirit time and again with those they have left behind.

Think of these letters as you would old photographs that are delicate and irreplaceable. You can preserve them by not handling very often. Make a copy of the letter to share with loved ones. Try not to write on, staple, paper clip, bind with rubber bands, or use anything with glue on them, such as post-it notes. These precautions help prevent rust residue and discoloration. Keep a journal or note cards describing personal information about who wrote the letter. This helps anyone else who finds them later identify the family member and save them to pass on to the next generation.

Supporting Our Troops

At the Legacy Project you will find a Supporting Our Troops Link, which will reveal a number of ways you can learn to preserve your letters and support our Service Men and Women.

Among the programs is the "Any Soldier Inc." which was started as a simple family effort to help the soldiers in one Army unit. The program is now focused on all members of the Armed Services in harms way. All Soldiers involved in the effort are military volunteers stationed in areas that are in harms way. You may send your support (letters and/or packages) addressed to them and when they see the "Attn: Any Soldier" line in their address they put your letters and packages into the hands of Soldiers who don't get much or any mail first." To find out more about the Any Soldier Program visit their website.

Those sending letters to loved ones stationed throughout the world should include the service member's full name, either with or without their rank. Also include their unit and Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office (APO/FPO) address with the nine-digit Zip code. Be aware that letters and parcels sent through the Military Postal Service Agency to overseas destinations make take up to two weeks to deliver. Contents within the packages should be cushioned with newspaper or packing materials. Test the box before sealing by shaking it. If you hear rattling, add more material to prevent contents from shifting about.

If sending any device that requires batteries, remove them. The item could accidently be turned on during shipping and wear down the batteries before the package arrives. When ready to seal the box reinforce all seams with wide clear or brown packaging tape. The Postal Service advises patrons to include a card describing the contents within the box in case the package is damaged. This should also contain the sender and recipient's address. Always provide a return address, and when sending care packages avoid contents of inappropriate nature. For detailed information on contents allowed visit your local Postal Service or call: 1-800-ASK-USPS.

Time Is Precious

Everyday our hearts go out to those whose loved ones have perished. Our prayers are given for those in uniform with the courage to stand proud and defend their country. Each minute another solider reads a message of love and support from his family or friends. Remember, whether sending a letter of encouragement to a family member, friend, or someone you've never met your thoughts will be welcomed.

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