Saluting those who sacrificed this Memorial Day
May 30, 2022 06:36AM ● By Editor
The American Legion Post 413 will hold a short program on the lawn of the Cook County Courthouse at the Veterans Memorial. The program will begin at 11 a.m. Following the program at noon, the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit 413 will host a free meal for Veterans and their spouses at the Birch Terrace Supper Club.
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While we often look at Memorial Day as the kick-off to a summer of camping, sunbathing, backyard BBQs and other warm weather outdoor pursuits, on this day we must remember this day is reserved to salute those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety, freedom, independence and unity of the United States of America.
The staff, volunteers and Board of Directors of Boreal Community Media reminds everyone to remember veterans - those passed and those still with us - and their families for their contributions and sacrifices.
One of the most poignant and vivid examples of such a memorial on this solemn day is President Abraham Lincoln's letter to Mrs. Bixeby after the loss of her sons during the Civil War.
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Executive Mansion,
Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.
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
Watch a video of the President's letter to Mrs. Bixeby from the Lincoln Project
