Memorial Day 2009
So much more than just another day off of work.
by Staff Writer
May 22, 2009 - We thought about writing something really poignant for the weekend but, in all honestly, there wasn't anything really powerful enough to encompass the themes of sacrifice, brotherhood and freedom fitting for this Memorial Day. Instead, we leave such a task to the things that can really help put war and remembrance into perspective. The following represents our collection as related to this Day of Days.
Gaining Perspective "By-the-Numbers"
Sometimes some of us need to see the sheer numbers to put it all into perspective.
• Vietnam War Casualty Statistics
• American War Deaths by Conflict
Person to Person
A letter concerning two individuals who knew a thing or two about the consequences of war.
Executive Mansion, Washington, November 21, 1864.
Mrs. Bixby, Boston, Massachusetts:
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 words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to 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,
Abraham Lincoln.
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