How can I not appreciate all those who have served our country? I would not be here today and have the opportunities I have if it were not for the men and women who sacrificed their lives so that I may live a safe and secure one, not to mention my children and my children’s children some day.
There are absolutely no words worthy enough to express the appreciation I have for our veterans and the families who live with the fond memories of those who have died for us. Those who are serving right now deserve just as much praise and honor as each one faces an uncertain future with bravery, determination, courage, and the sacrifice of life, family, and the pursuit of happiness. We are indeed humbled and can only with bended knee even begin to honor you.
THANK YOU!
I leave each of you with a famous letter written by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. It is known as the LETTER TO MRS. BIXBY, who was believed to have lost five sons during the Civil War. It is also the letter that inspired the movie SAVING PRIVATE RYAN.
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
