Though Thanksgiving is behind us for the year, it’s never to late to express appreciation for those who serve and protect us, putting their lives on the line each and every day. What better time than Christmastime—when they’re away from their families and loved ones and possibly miss them the most—is there to say a heartfelt thanks?

As a person with several family members in the service—with a father, grandfather, and other relatives who have also previously served—I know how worrisome it can be for these families to not see their sister or cousin or mother every day; how unsettling it is to listen to every news report, every death count, just wondering. Though I’ve never agreed with the decisions that put our loved ones in harm’s way over the past eight years, I still maintain a deep respect for those who are willing to do the job in times of both war and peace.

If you would like to express some gratitude to a member of the armed forces this season, you can do so at Let’s Say Thanks. Let’s Say Thanks gives people all across America a way to send mail to soldiers overseas—soldiers they may not know, yet still want to thank or send positive messages to.

And you don’t have to be pro-war to do it. If you’re a peacenik like me, you don’t have to go all guns ‘n ammo with a “Keep blowin’ ‘em up!” message; rather, you can express how much you appreciate what our troops have to do even if they disagree with orders, how awful it must be to be away from home and family—especially during the holidays, and how much you’d like them all to return home healthily and safely—and most of all, soon.

These actual postcards—which are completely free to send—are drawn by children across America. Each portrays a positive, colorful image that you can personally select and add a message to. And if you don’t know what to say, no problem—there are several pre-written messages you can choose from as well.

After you select your card and submit it with your messae, Xerox will print and mail the card within care packages sent by Give2TheTroops.

You can also get a free widget at the site to host on your own site or blog if you’d like to spread the word.