Italian high school exchange student Silvia Raveggi is currently participating in CHI’s Academic Year Program in Southern California. Silvia recently had the opportunity to deliver food and supplies to a disabled veteran and his family. The meeting made a big impact on Silvia and she wrote the following letter.
Dear Veteran,
I want to say “Thank You” from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for service. Thank you for your sacrifice for this country. Thank you for fighting for freedom.
My name is Silvia and I am an exchange student from Italy. I am here to attend my last year of high school and learn a different culture from mine. I am sure I will learn a lot!
Today I am doing some community service with the help of my host family, my exchange organization Cultural Homestay International and the Downey Moose Camper Club (DMCC). The members of the DMCC donated a larger part of this food which I am very grateful. With the help of the Lighthouse Social Service Center we were able to find you to present this basket to your family.
I decided to do this project because I realized without your sacrifice, your love to your country, I wouldn’t be here and be given the opportunity to fulfill my dream to study in America. Along with your fellow service men your unselfishness to protect has made American free and great.
You have all contributed to make this precious and wonderful country known all over the world the land of opportunity. Your country is the one everyone dreams about and this is mainly because of your amazing courage and devotion.
I am deeply honored to have the chance to meet you and thank you in person. I am touched by your efforts to protect all human lives. So today I am doing the minimum I can do. I hope that you and your family will have an amazing life!
With admiration
Silvia Raveggi
