September 2001
My Dear Military "Kids,"
Of course I still refer to you as "my kids," not
because you are of any lesser age or maturity level, but because
you are ones who I care about and would like to protect as much
as I can. This past month has brought about some of the best
in people across the world. As we seek to ensure freedom and
safety for all, you may be called upon to help defend humanity's
rights. While it is the world's responsibility to care for one
another, you each have chosen to dedicate your life to preserving
the values of our nation. Never doubt that you are appreciated
- by the world, by the nation, by your communities, and more
specifically by the members of your "Thaler Family."
Enclosed is my feeble attempt to remind you of your role in
this world. The United States was designed with the desire "to
form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic
Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general
Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and
our Posterity." To maintain such a great nation, occasionally
defensive or offensive positions need to be taken. Remember
however that our "unalienable rights" include life….
liberty…. and the pursuit of happiness. To truly experience
any of the three, the ultimate goal must be peace. Work and
strive as representatives of our nation to restore peace.
On the other side are two things of importance. The quote,
by American epigrammist Minna Antrim, was chosen by members
of my 2000 World Literature class to go on top of a collage
they created for me. It is the only statement I've found that
so clearly captures the spirit of what I wanted to teach you.
I place that on your gift in tribute to all of my students and
to the values I tried to instill. I included the symbols of
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam to represent the various faiths
and ethnicities which make up this nation. We are united, yet
we are unique. Be watchful of condemning an entire people or
belief because of the actions of a few. Remember that you represent
all of us. More importantly, members of your "Thaler Family"
contain all these beliefs and backgrounds. If you've at all
connected with the "Thaler Family," then you understand
that we are a microcosm of the world.
I know that I am no longer an official teacher of yours and
it may make no sense why I continue to insist that I remain
involved in your lives; therefore this lecture of sorts may
seem unwarranted. However, no matter your feelings towards me,
I consider you part of my family, and I consider myself still
responsible for you. I do worry about what the upcoming times
may bring, and my thoughts are with you. Do take care of yourselves.
Do be careful and be safe. Never doubt that you are cared for
and loved by many.
With love,
Erin M. Thaler
