11 November 2008

Veterans Day

The following letter is probably very well known. It has been quoted in movies, and I am sure used in many other forms.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.

Dear Madam,--

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

A. Lincoln

Today around the country, many ceremonies marked the remembrance of the soldiers that served our country. As I sit here, I recall stories that my father told of his time in the military. I have friends that are currently serving, many of whom have served several tours of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. Words indeed can not do justice to tell how thankful I am to those that serve this great country.

To my family, friends, and fellow Marines, that have served, or are serving:

Thank you for your service! This country owes you more than you will ever get. Some of you have come away with mental scars. Some physical. Some paid the ultimate price. But because of you, we still have our freedoms. May we never forget the sacrifices made by our soldiers. Without their willingness to serve, we would have no freedoms. I pray that you will take pride in serving. Stand straight, head up, and chest out.

Semper Fi!!!!

1 comment:

B said...

Great post Andrew! Thanks for the reminder.