In a Thanksgiving web video and email message, first lady Michelle Obama encourages Americans to express their gratitude to U.S. military service members and their families today by placing a phone call or writing an online message.

“Last year on Thanksgiving, Barack stepped into the office for a bit to call some of the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to thank them for their service. And when he told me about those conversations, it reminded me once again of how blessed we are to live in a country like this where our freedoms are guided by the service of so many heroes,” the first lady says in the video.

Michelle Obama’s Joining Forces initiative partnered with the USO to launch a new website -  Thanks From Everywhere  - that allows visitors to post notes to the troops on an interactive map.  

Each red dot on the map represents an individual message that visitors to the site can read and share.  Here’s a small sampling:

“From one of the 99 percent who don’t want you in harm’s way without good reason – just thanks,” writes Frank Erickson of Washington state.

Peter Fischer of Maine says, “I know personally while serving in the Marine Corps what it was like not to be home for the holidays, and I want you all to know that no matter where you are, someone is always thinking of you.”

And  John and Reba Matthews of Arkansas posted, “Thank all of you so very much. May “God” bless and  keep you.  We don’t know you but we do.”

You can add your message to the interactive thank you card HERE.