The following letter is written by Gold Star Mother Debbie Lee, whose Son, Marc Allen Lee was the first Navy Seal killed in Iraq in 2006.  I have met this beautiful woman at rallies  supporting our troops.  She is a tireless advocate for our Soldiers.  As a Blue Star Mother, I stand in awe of her strength and devotion to her Brave Son's memory and to to his comrades.  She is a shining example of a proud American Mother and I am so proud to display her letter.   May God Bless her and watch over her all the days of her life.  Debbie's letter follows and we honor and revere Debbie and all our Soldiers and Veterans on this Veteran's day, and every day of the year.  

 

 

Veterans Day 2007

 

It is with great respect and deep understanding that I write this letter to honor each and every Veteran that has served or is serving our great Country! I understand and appreciate all who have given so much for me so that I could enjoy my daily freedoms.
 
I was able to sleep well in the safety of my bed last night because you served.
 
I was able to pray before my meal this morning in a public place without fearing arrest, because you gave.
 
I am able to freely speak my mind and voice my opinion without fear of retaliation against me or my family, because you cared.
 
I am able to stand up for what I believe in and not have a Dictators thoughts and opinions forced down my throat, because you stood up to the call to defend. 
 
I am free to worship the God who created me in His image, because you were selfless in your actions.
 
To each one of you I speak from the bottom of my heart when I say Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!! You are my Heroes and I want to remember and honor you this Veterans Day. Not a single day goes by that I don't think of the sacrifices you and your families have given!
 
I am actually on North Island Naval Base as I write this. My room looks out over the ocean and Point Loma where Ft RoseCrans National Cemetery is located and where my son Marc Alan Lee was laid to rest on Aug 2nd 2006. Many of you knew Marc or know his story and remember that he was the first Navy Seal to give his life in Iraq. I also remember him today and his sacrifice. Thank you son! His headstone says "Loved deeply, Deeply loved." I deeply love and miss him, and am so proud of him. "Greater love has no one than this than he laid down his life for his friends." John 15:13  The love doesn't go any deeper than that! He loved deeply! He loved his brothers he served with, he loved me, he loved his family, he loved this nation, he loved his freedoms, he loved God, and he gave. He gave it all! That's what a hero does. They are willing to give their lives for others. Each one of you are my heroes!
 
Each one of you have deeply loved this country too! Thank you!
 
Each one of you were willing to give your life if required for this country. Thank you!
 
Many of you have given your blood, and been wounded for this country. Thank you!
 
Many of you have known your friends and brothers who paid the ultimate sacrifice just like my son Marc! Thank you!
 
As I have traveled around this country speaking out in support of you 'our defenders of freedom,' I have met many of you and have been so deeply touched by your stories and your sacrificial service to this nation. I don't take for granted our freedom which isnt' free, it comes at a cost and you willingly paid that for me. So please remember this Veteran's Day that I am your biggest fan and that you are deeply appreciated and loved.
 
From a grateful Gold Star Mom and Proud American,
 
Debbie Lee