Vetran’s Day
Today I thought it might be appropriate to pay my respect to the great veteran's of the United States, as well as the veterans of other countries around the world. Giving your life for your country, or in the very least putting your life on the line for it, is the greatest feat of human sacrifice that one can endure. The utter sacrifices that are made by veterans in the name of principle should be admired regardless of the situation. Whether or not you agree or disagree with the institution of war should not diminish the respect that veteran's deserve.
I should know about paying my respects on veterans day. After all, I have ancestors that have fought in every single major American war dating back to 1861. From the Civil War to the Spanish-American war, World War I to World War II, and the Korean War to the Vietnam war. My blood has fought in all of them. To all of my ancestors I give you my deepest most profound thank you for giving up the freedoms of your day, in hopes of allowing future generations to prosper in wake of your sacrifice and accomplishments. Although I do not identify with America and Americans, I still respect those who fell before me in order to preserve that which we hold so dear.
So in honor of all the veteran's from all over the world, and especially to those who fought with conviction to preserve the United States, let me offer you this -
A week before the battle of Bull Run Sullivan Ballou, a Major in the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers, wrote home to his wife in Smithfield -
July the 14th, 1861 Washington D.C
My very dear Sarah,
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days -- perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure -- and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine 0 God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows -- when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children -- is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?
I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it shall whisper your name.
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours -- always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again....
Sullivan Ballou died a week later at the First Battle of Bull Run.