Shadow8088
Expert
- Jul 24, 2012
- 972
- 28
Today is a day where we remember those that have laid down their lives in defense of our Nation and all that it stands for. While every ounce of respect one can muster should be given to our veterans and current soldiers, today is not that day.
I think a lot of people forget the real reason for this day. Too wrapped up in picnics, BBQs, and family get togethers to stop, even for a moment, and give thanks to those who are no longer with us because they died for their country. Those rights given to us by our forefathers are protected only by those willing to give up everything to defend them.
I never would have heard this unless I has seen Saving Private Ryan, but it shows a level of respect unheard of in the past few decades for our departed soldiers.
"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"
When's the last time you heard of ANY president writing a letter to a bereaved mother over the loss of their loved one? Sure, they get a letter from the DOD, but never a personalized, handwritten letter from the pen of the president. I think it's about time that this starts happening again. I think every single soldier killed should have a handwritten letter from the president. Those in charge of sending our troops into the line of fire should have to feel every single one of their deaths and understand even just a fraction of the grief the families of the lost are feeling. Perhaps they'd be a little less willing to throw our sons and daughters in front of bullets that they don't need to be standing in front of.
Happy Memorial Day INGOers and God Bless.
I think a lot of people forget the real reason for this day. Too wrapped up in picnics, BBQs, and family get togethers to stop, even for a moment, and give thanks to those who are no longer with us because they died for their country. Those rights given to us by our forefathers are protected only by those willing to give up everything to defend them.
I never would have heard this unless I has seen Saving Private Ryan, but it shows a level of respect unheard of in the past few decades for our departed soldiers.
"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"
When's the last time you heard of ANY president writing a letter to a bereaved mother over the loss of their loved one? Sure, they get a letter from the DOD, but never a personalized, handwritten letter from the pen of the president. I think it's about time that this starts happening again. I think every single soldier killed should have a handwritten letter from the president. Those in charge of sending our troops into the line of fire should have to feel every single one of their deaths and understand even just a fraction of the grief the families of the lost are feeling. Perhaps they'd be a little less willing to throw our sons and daughters in front of bullets that they don't need to be standing in front of.
Happy Memorial Day INGOers and God Bless.
