I got this from another site I belong to (NTWS). It was written by a retired Navy Captain I worked for between 1990-93. To all those currently serving, and all those honorably discharged or retired - Thank You.
I wrote this in the marine birthday thread but I will repost it here: I would like to extend a special thank you to all the veterans, we are a land of the free because of the few brave that defend our way of life. Your service is the definition of hero, at the time of enlistment a soldier writes a check to his Nation for an amount up to and including his life in the defense of America, there is no greater sacrifice than putting your life on the line for freedom.
Letter to Mrs. Bixby 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
"Dear Mrs. Sullivan: "The knowledge that your five gallant sons are missing in action, against the enemy, inspired me to write you this personal message. I realize full well there is little I can say to assuage your grief. "As the Commander in Chief of the Army and the Navy, I want you to know that the entire nation shares your sorrow. I offer you the condolence and gratitude of our country. We, who remain to carry on the fight, must maintain the spirit in the knowledge that such sacrifice is not in vain. The Navy Department has in- formed me of the expressed desire of your sons; George Thomas, Francis Henry, Joseph Eugene, Madison Abel, and Albert Leo, to serve on the same ship. I am sure, that we all take pride in the knowledge that they fought side by side. As one of your sons wrote, `We will make a team together that can't be beat.' It is this spirit which in the end must triumph. "Last March, you, Mrs. Sullivan, were designated to sponsor a ship of the Navy in recognition of your patriotism and that of your sons. I am to understand that you are, now, even more determined to carry on as sponsorer. This evidence of unselfish- ness and courage serves as a real inspiration for me, as I am sure it will for all Americans. Such acts of fate and fortitude in the face of tragedy convince me of the indomitable spirit and will of our people. "I send you my deepest sympathy in your hour of trial and pray that in Almighty God you will find a comfort and help that only He can bring. Very sincerely yours, "/s/ Franklin D. Roosevelt"
Muggers Return Wallet After Seeing Army ID - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com MILWAUKEE ? A Milwaukee Army reservist's military identification earned him some street cred Tuesday, when he says four men who mugged him at gunpoint returned his belongings and thanked him for his service after finding the ID.
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. -Elmer Davis
