Veterans Day

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June 2: U.S. Army Maj. David Waldron with the 3rd Infantry Division walks with his 3-year-old twins Zoe and Andrew to pick up his duffle bag after a homecoming ceremony for about 265 soldiers with the Special Troops Battalion after a 15-month deployment to Iraq, in Fort Stewart, Ga. The 3rd Infantry, which began sending troops home in March, was the first Army division called up for a third tour in Iraq.
Stephen Morton-AP

The following is a reprint from a 2006 post:

The following is from a letter written in the tradition of a soldier in wartime, writing to his sweetheart back home. It comes courtesy of Michael Medved. Mr. Medved did not source the letter; and Google has come up empty. So I transcribed it myself, from his radio broadcast. I get choked up everytime I listen to it; the same way my eyes can sometimes water when I look at the American flag for too long.

Dear Angela,

This is by far the most difficult letter I shall ever write; what makes it so difficult is that you’ll be reading it in the unhappy event of my death. You’ve already learned of my death. I hope the news was broken to you gently. God, Angie, I didn’t want to die. I had so much to live for; you were my main reason for living. You’re a jewel; a treasure. Please don’t hate the war because it has taken me. I’m glad and proud that America has found me equal to the task of defending it. Vietnam isn’t a far off country in a remote corner of the world. It is Sagamore, Brooklyn, Honolulu, or any other part of the world where there are Americans. Vietnam is a test of the American spirit. I hope I have helped in a little way to pass the test. The press, the television screen, the magazines are filled with the images of young men burning their draft cards to demonstrate their courage. Their rejection is of the ancient law that a male fights to protect his own people in his own land. Does it take courage to flaunt the authorities and burn a draft card? Ask the men at Dak To, Con Thien, or Hill 875: they’ll tell you how much courage it takes.

Most people never think of their freedom; they never think much about breathing either, or blood circulating, except when these functions are checked by a doctor. Freedom like breathing and circulating blood is part of our being. Why must people take their freedom for granted? Why can’t they support the men, who are trying to protect their lifeblood- Freedom?

WE MUST DO the job that God set down for us. It’s up to every American to fight for the freedom we hold so dear. We must instruct the young in the ways of these great United States; we mustn’t let them take these freedoms for granted.

I want you to go on to live a full, rich, productive life, Angie. I want you to share your love with someone. You may meet another man and bring up a family. Please bring up your children to be proud Americans. Don’t worry about me, Honey; God must have a special place for soldiers. I’ve died as I’ve always hoped, protecting what I do hold so dear to my heart.

We will meet again in the future. We will. I’ll be waiting for you that day. I’ll be watching over you Angie; and if it’s possible to help you in some way, I will. Feel some relief with the knowledge that you’ve filled my short life with more happiness than most men know in a lifetime.

The inevitable? Well, the last one: I love you with all my heart; and all my love for you will survive into eternity.

Your Joey

Joseph E. Santoni (I am doubtful that I have this right; but from listening, it’s the closest I could make out; if anyone knows better, please let me know) is one of the 58,000 names on the Wall in Washington. He died less than a year after writing these words.

Curt seems to have uncovered the correct name of the author if this letter: Joseph Santori.

In addition, I ran a Google search and found this about him:

Joseph Santori was born March 22, 1947 and lived in Keyport, NJ. He served in the US Army where he attained the rank of Sergeant (SGT).

On April 23,1968 Santori was killed in action. He was 19 years old.

Michael Medved says he’s a New Yorker; but everything I find on Joseph Santori lists him as being from New Jersey. So likely it’s him; just not with a 100% certainty.

To all those past and present who have bravely taken the oath to defend our great nation and serve a cause greater than their own self-interest, thank you, thank you, thank you!


Happy Veterans Day!

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It is not often that I steal from other blogs but today you made me do it. The re-up photo will be my post tomorrow but today I felt the need to republish the soldiers letter.

My thanks to the brave who fought and gave their all…

Lest we forget.

Thank you for posting this, Word. I was wondering… other than calling or emailing my veteran friends and family, what to do to say thank you. The below photo says it all for me.

My heartfelt thanks, and my undying admiration for all our serving and retired veterans. They truly are the best of us.

From:http://www.thewall-usa.com/

JOSEPH SANTORI

SGT – E5 – Army – Regular
101st Airborne Division

Length of service 2 years
His tour began on Jun 15, 1967
Casualty was on Apr 23, 1968
In THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died of wounds, GROUND CASUALTY
GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE
Body was recovered

Panel 51E – Line 42

Tom

I love the photo you included on the front page…it is so humbling. God bless America and all of her soldiers, past and present. Thank you for all of your sacrifices.

I found a post on Peterman’s Eye about Veterans Day…it really gave me some insight. I felt the need to share….

http://www.petermanseye.com/anthologies/dates-in-history/375-a-day-to-remember

Cheers.

God bless those that have served, are serving now and those that will serve. These are the true guardians of freedom

Sarge