A co-worker sent me an e-mail the other day within the body of the message was a statement that said, “It will only take 10 seconds of your time.”

The email was a “viral” email, but one of those many probably wouldn’t mind receiving.

It was informing the email recipients about a project called “Let’s Say Thanks” spearheaded by Xerox. The project helps to deliver personal messages from the public to American soldiers serving overseas.

The email contained a link to the “Let’s Say Thanks” Web site where visitors can select a postcard (illustrated by school children from all over the country), select a message or write their own message and off the card goes to a member serving in the United States military.

Ten seconds of my time is all it took.

Now days we like to think we don’t have time to stop and say thank you to soldiers who keep our country safe, but now with this project we don’t have an excuse.

It takes mere seconds to give a simple “thank you” and make someone who is spending months, even years away from their family and friends to feel their country is behind them.

We hear and say the words “thank you” each day. Many of us take them with a measure of insignificance, but when we really reflect on those two words they can mean the world.

Simple gestures can go a long way if we want them to, they can sear through the most terrible of circumstances and boost morale. The idea of respect and admiration is something that never dulls.

No matter your thoughts, beliefs, opinions or politics, it’s important to know who is fighting for your country on behalf of you and your freedoms. It’s the patriotic thing to do, and as my mom would say, it’s the polite thing to do.

With Christmas coming around the corner, it’s even more imperative now to let our troops know we are thinking of them.

As we all settle around the table with our own families, think of those who will be thousands of miles away from their loved ones.

When you get a chance visit www.letssaythanks.com and show your appreciation of our troops.

Ten seconds of your time is all it will take.

Amanda VanDerBroek is a Staff Writer for the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. For comments and column suggestions email: amanda.vanderbroek@r-cnews.com or call (252) 332-7209.