«I am so surprised,» Lisa Brown said between passing out markers. «These soldiers need to know we love them.»
A card was paid for by the Sherman Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and the Ladies Auxiliary. The card and banner, along with a second card, funded by Denison merchants, are now making their way to Fort Hood, in care of a National Guard escort. From the Texas base, they will be sent to Iraq and transported to different bases around the war-torn country.
Brown said the original intention was to send a single Hallmark card. But, after talking to friends, the idea for the oversized cards from the community was born and just took off.
There is hardly any white space left on the cards, which bear the names and messages of nearly 1,000 people.
One resident wrote, «Words can’t express the bravery you show for our country.» Another said, «Thanks for fighting for us.»
The front of the cards contains a drawing of the United States filled with the American flag. Sitting next to the flag is a large reindeer with a Santa Claus cap on his head and decorations hanging off his feet.
Brown said the blank space on the two cards, as well as the area with the decoration, were filled within only two days. It was then the idea for an added banner was created. Using butcher paper, residents signed their names with wishes of love and concern.
She said although she doesn’t have anyone over seas, she was excited to see so many people offering their thoughts.
«I almost cried several times,» Brown said. «These guys believe in what they are doing and they need our support.»
When asked if the overwhelming response surprised her given recent negative opinions of the war, she said, «Yes, some. People don’t always understand if they (the soldiers) are over there, they need all the care we can give them.»
Brown added that there were some that refused to sign the card and banner. To them she says, «That is your opinion and you are entitled to it.»
For the smaller well wishers, Brown said sponsors picked the children up and held them as they signed the cards. The goal, she said, was to let everyone have a chance.
«I just want to thank the communities of Sherman and Denison … and everyone that helped in this,» Brown said. «I am so thankful for everyone who wrote their thoughts.»
In addition to signing the cards, Brown has been taking donation for Operation Link, a group that supplies phone cards to troops overseas so they can call family and friends. Donations for the cards can continue to be made at the Sherman VFW.
