Letter of appreciation

It's always great to receive recognition for serving in some branch of the United States military. The eateries in Poplar Bluff were very generous to the veterans in the area by serving them free meals and other food related items. Veterans Day recognition on Sunday and Monday of last week saw the local businesses in the area make sacrifices of their own in honoring those of us who served in the various armed forces with great dinners, sandwiches, donuts, etc. The honorable restaurateurs showed their kindness and commitment to our service personnel and there is little doubt that their bottom lines were significantly impacted since the participating businesses were literally filled with service men and women.

Suffice it so say that those who have served and are serving, are grateful for this outpouring of support for the military. Colton's, Applebees, sports bars, donut shops and several fast food restaurants, participated in this tribute. We feel blessed to serve our great country and are honored to be counted in that number of people in America who still believe that we bring peace through strength and that liberty will be retained as long as we always remember to serve as "One Nation Under God." Bless all of you for your kindness and let's all come together to keep America Free because of the brave.

SEmD Bud Middleton

Poplar Bluff, Mo.