Dear Vanessa Guillen
Today the search ends. June 2, 2020.
You didn’t deserve this.
A little girl, at 10 years old, you knew what you wanted to do for the rest of your life — serve this country you once called ‘home.’
Why?
Because you loved your country. You wanted to fight for your people, for freedom, por la libertad — pero ellos te quitaron TU libertad.
I’m sorry you were one of the thousands and thousands of women who were sexually assaulted for being a soldier. I won’t ever understand, no one will ever understand. You didn’t understand. But trust me … we are fighting for justice. No pararemos, we won’t stop.
My heart aches for your family, for your father, your mother, your sisters. They looked up to you — a warrior and a fighter — and you sure died as one.
Vanessa Guillen, you will live forever.
Today, June 2, 2020. They found the remains of your body — two months later. And we are all heartbroken. You didn’t deserve to die this way. Although the search has ended, you will forever keep living in our hearts. This doesn’t stop here.
I want you to know the hashtag #IAMVanessaGuillen was created to raise awareness for the many, many women who were once sexually assaulted just as you were. There are thousands and thousands telling your story. They feel your pain. I feel your pain. We all feel your pain.
No te olvidaremos, you won’t be forgotten. We will shut down Fort Hood and reach to the bottom of this because no daughter, no sister should have to go through this.
No estas sola Vanessa Guillen, you are not alone Vanessa Guillen. We are all fighting together and we will keep fighting.
