Memorial Day

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 fields 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 you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray 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 alter of freedom.
Yours very sincerely and respectfully,
Abraham Lincoln
Letter to Mrs. Bixby Nov 21 1864

Many Thanks to all who have served .

My thanks to those who serve and have served our country with dignity and honor.

Find the cost of freedom buried in the ground. May we never forget the price that has been paid. And to let freedom slip through our fingers, would present the highest disrespect to those that should be held in the highest of honor. May God continue to bless us with those who are willing to pay the price of freedom. And may we always recognize when it is threatened.