GREENVILLE - Natalie House, a seventh grade student at Greenville Jr. High, wrote a letter for an assignment in sixth grade as part of Nancy Person’s class that touched a troop stationed in Shindand, Afghanistan. According to Person, her sixth grade class participates in Operation Gratitude, but they never expected to receive a response.

“It was a 10-point project…a quick write, and they were learning about the privileges and responsibilities of citizens,” said Person. “The assignment was to show gratitude and support for what our troops have done on our behalf.”

On Monday morning, just before the South Middle School spelling bee, House was honored with a flag which was flown in Afghanistan on Oct. 21 in honor of the encouraging words that she had written, and a certificate from troops in Afghanistan.

“So that all shall know, this flag was flown in the face of the enemy – in the winds of freedom, illuminated in the dark by the light of justice, during Operation Enduring Freedom. This flag bears witness to the destruction of terrorist forces threatening the freedom of the United States of America and the world,” the certificate read. “Our heartfelt thanks goes out to you for your support of the Archangels of Unit 2. Your efforts are in keeping with the highest traditions of Esprit De Corps; providing that bit of light in the darkness.”

This was in response to Natalie’s letter, part of which stated: “I also wanted to thank you for serving our country. You fight for many people’s freedom and we really are thankful for that. Not only do [you] serve our country, but you help other countries in need by donating food and water to countries like Haiti, who really needs you. Many people have someone that they look up to, someone who inspires them. My idols would have to be you guys because of all the things you do for me.”

House’s mother, Stephanie, said they will probably frame the flag and the certificate. She also shared that she couldn’t be more proud of her daughter and the patriotism that she has displayed.

“I’m proud of her…proud that there are still children with so much patriotism,” Stephanie House remarked.

When asked what she was feeling when she wrote the letter, and got her response, Natalie commented that she was proud, overwhelmed, and honored.

“I felt really honored, and I was crying because I was so excited,” Natalie said.