If you truly don't know the answer to your own question, then read Wirt's
post until you figure it out.
Ray Shahan
"There is so much good in the worst of us,
and so much bad in the best of us,
that it behooves none of us
to talk about the rest of us"
--Robert Louis Stevenson?
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Lou Cook [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 12:08 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [HP3000-L] OT: Veterans' Day 2003
>
> Why did you post this?
>
> Lou Cook
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Wirt Atmar [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 9:45 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [HP3000-L] OT: Veterans' Day 2003
>
>
> From today's NY Times:
>
> =======================================
>
> > 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
>
> =======================================
>
> From the Oct. 29 Olympian:
>
> "The story of what we've done in the post-war period is remarkable. ... It
> is
> a better and more important story than losing a couple of soldiers every
> day,
> which heaven forbid is awful."
>
> --George Nethercutt (R), Rep. Washington State, Oct. 13, 2003
>
> http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20031029/northwest/135956.shtml
>
> =========================================
>
> Wirt Atmar
>
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>
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