Their final words - letters of the fallen soldiers

[La_Serpiente]

This is an somber piece done by the New York Times. They made a compilation of the final letters home of those who died in Iraq. I reccomend that everyone read them in order to understand these veteran's lives and what their families must go through.

You can find their final words here

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I cried when I got to the last letter.

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Their final words from the battlefield

Veterans Day honors all who have served in the military — in peace and in war, at home and abroad, living and dead. Today is the 50th anniversary of the holiday renamed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954 to "solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom." Before 1954 the holiday was called Armistice Day.

Observation this year of Veterans Day comes as about 130,000 troops — 102,000 active military and 28,000 reserve — remain on duty in Iraq. As of yesterday, according to the Pentagon, 394 have died in the war.

Below are excerpts from among the final letters home of some soldiers who died there.

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(Here is final letter -- this young man told the military to send this letter to his family in case he died in Iraq)

Excerpt of a letter from Army Pfc. Jesse A. Givens, 34, of Springfield, Mo. Private Givens was killed May 1 when his tank fell into the Euphrates River after the bank on which he was parked gave way. This letter was written to be delivered to his family if he died. Melissa is his wife, Dakota his 6-year-old stepson and Bean the name he used for his son, Carson, who was born May 29.

My family,

I never thought that I would be writing a letter like this. I really don't know where to start. I've been getting bad feelings, though and, well, if you are reading this. . . .

The happiest moments in my life all deal with my little family. I will always have with me the small moments we all shared. The moments when you quit taking life so serious and smiled. The sounds of a beautiful boy's laughter or the simple nudge of a baby unborn. You will never know how complete you have made me. You saved me from loneliness and taught me how to think beyond myself. You taught me how to live and to love. You opened my eyes to a world I never dreamed existed.

Dakota . . . you taught me how to care until it hurts, you taught me how to smile again. You taught me that life isn't so serious and sometimes you just have to play. You have a big, beautiful heart. Through life you need to keep it open and follow it. Never be afraid to be yourself. I will always be there in our park when you dream so we can play. I love you, and hope someday you will understand why I didn't come home. Please be proud of me.

Bean, I never got to see you but I know in my heart you are beautiful. I know you will be strong and big-hearted like your mom and brother. I will always have with me the feel of the soft nudges on your mom's belly, and the joy I felt when I found out you were on your way. I love you, Bean.

Melissa, I have never been as blessed as the day I met you. You are my angel, soulmate, wife, lover and best friend. I am sorry. I did not want to have to write this letter. There is so much more I need to say, so much more I need to share. A lifetime's worth. I married you for a million lifetimes. That's how long I will be with you. Please keep my babies safe. Please find it in your heart to forgive me for leaving you alone. . . . Teach our babies to live life to the fullest, tell yourself to do the same.

I will always be there with you, Melissa. I will always want you, need you and love you, in my heart, my mind and my soul. Do me a favor, after you tuck the children in. Give them hugs and kisses from me. Go outside and look at the stars and count them. Don't forget to smile.

Love Always,
Your husband,
Jess

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What say you people?

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[La_Serpiente]

4. I have posted it about

2 times already. However, no one was responding. I assume it is because no one was up.

But I felt that it was important that these letters be shared with those on DU. We have to realize what happens to these families.

[ccvirgo911]

2. My heart is breaking

This letter has me in tears. I mourn the loss of so many lives today. I am angry that they died for no reason, and have left so many loved ones to grieve them. So much pain , so unnecessary. At the same time I am reading this, Governor Bush is at Arlington, standing at the podium giving a speech about the valor of veterens. He has no right, nor any place there. He is an abomination, a plague on this great country. I am sick right now, knowing he will attempt to send more young men and women to their deaths in the coming days and months. It makes me more firm in my resolve that if a draft is ever instituted, my 21 year old son will be adapting to a new life in another country. I simply won't allow him to have to serve a man who has no interest in promoting peace.

[Punkingal]

3. OMG.....

I just read the letter you posted. What a beautiful letter, and what a tragedy! Thanks for posting this.