Lest We Forget

Today is Memorial Day. A day set aside for remembering those who have paid such a price for our freedom. So many have left behind spouses, children, parents to fight our country’s battles. Here I post the famous letter from Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Bixby who was believed to be the mother of 5 sons killed in the civil war. To all those who have lost a loved one in battle I re-print this in the hopes that you will find some solace in the gratitude which is expressed so beautifully herein:

To Mrs. Bixby, Boston, Mass.

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

Thank you to our fallen and to their families. We think of you today and hold you in our national heart.

Chicago Ray had this in his post today. Loved it.