WE HONOR OUR FALLEN MEN AND WOMEN OF THE IRAQ AND AFGHAN WARS
It has been eight years since former President Bush ordered United States Forces to begin the attack on Iraq. We are not here to debate whether or not the War in Iraq was the right thing to do. We are simply here to honor the sacrifices of the men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan who have paid the ultimate price. We don't know the number. We only know the sacrifices. We have heard the term "they sacrificed their lives in vain". No American Soldier, Sailor, Airmen or Marine, whether killed in combat or in training, has ever sacrificed their life in vain; not as long as we remember and honor their loss. Whether you supported the War or not just remember they died for you, not a country, not a President, but for you. Honor them.......
Letter from then President Lincoln to the mother of five killed on the battle field:
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.
