"It is with deep, heartfelt regret and sadness that I write this letter.
My words seem inadequate at a time like this so I will quote a letter
Abraham Lincoln wrote Mrs. Bixby, who had lost five sons in the Civil
War:
"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"
-- From a wonderful tribute written by Matt Farwell, 10th Mountain Division, Afghanistan, over the loss of his brother soldier, Army Sgt. Carlie M. Lee III, this past week. RIP, Sgt. Lee.
