Quote Originally Posted by quickdodgeŽ
You know what, as much sense it your post makes, I don't agree. When you're gone for months at a time(possibly years), it doesn't take a Thanksgiving or an Xmas to miss the **** out of your family. And the family to miss the serviceman. Later, QD.

Nobody will argue with you there. However, for the rest of us to express our thanks for their service, it is probably the best time. It would be impractical for the non-family members to send each service person a letter every day. That is the point.