“All right, all right.” Vaccaro shook out the letter with dramatic flair, cleared his throat, and began to read out loud:
Dear Soldier,
I hope this letter finds you well, even amidst the chaos of war. My name is Emily, and I am a fifteen-year-old girl from a small town in Ohio. Although we have never met, I want you to know that your courage and sacrifice have touched my heart in ways I cannot fully express.
As I sit by the window, watching the snowflakes fall gently onto our frost-covered fields, I think of you — far away from home, battling the bitter cold and the relentless enemy. It’s hard for me to imagine the hardships you face, but I want you to know that you are not alone. We, back here in Ohio, stand with you in spirit, praying for your safety and victory.
The Battle of the Bulge — the name itself sends shivers down my spine. I’ve read about the fierce fighting, the freezing temperatures, and the unwavering determination of our troops. You are the heroes who hold the line, who refuse to yield even when the odds seem insurmountable. Your sacrifices will forever be etched in history, and I am grateful beyond words.
In our little town, we’ve organized knitting circles to make scarves and mittens for the soldiers. Every stitch is a prayer, every warm garment a token of our appreciation. We gather in the church basement, our fingers working diligently, imagining the warmth these gifts will bring to your frozen hands. It’s a small gesture, but it comes from the depths of our hearts.
I’ve seen the newsreels at the local theater — the brave soldiers trudging through snow, their breath visible in the frigid air. Some of you are barely older than my big brother, and yet you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. How can I thank you adequately? How can I convey the depth of my admiration?
Perhaps these words will reach you across the vast ocean, through the smoke and gunfire: Thank you. Thank you for defending our freedom, for standing firm against tyranny. Thank you for enduring hunger, fatigue, and fear so that we may live in a world where liberty prevails. I pray for my brother’s safety every night and I also pray for you and all the soldiers fighting with him.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Emily
P.S. Enclosed in this package, you’ll find a hand-knit scarf — a small token of our appreciation. Please wear it knowing that it carries our warmth and prayers.
Breaking the silence that followed, Cole was the first to speak. “I’ll be damned,” he said. “That girl can sure write a letter.”
