Posted on 06/20/2003 8:53:41 AM PDT by Texas Chrystal
Posted By Rick Garcia on May 07, 19103 at 16:57:30:
I have attached a letter to President Bush that was written by retired Firefighter Brian Prosser.
As you may know, Brian lost his son in the Afghanistan conflict. I think the letter speaks for itself and reflects the courage of a proud American.
Brian can be emailed at: prosser@frazmtn.com
I hope some of you take the time to say hello. Rick Garcia
May 2, 2003
Dear President Bush
I’ve been wanting to do this since the fifth day of December, two thousand one. That’s the day, on a hill in Afghanistan, my son and two fellow soldiers gave their all to the cause of freedom and their country, I have never spent one second thinking they died in vain, but yesterday watching you and the way you conducted yourself on the ship, I knew it was time to write. I guess the odds of this letter getting to you are about the same as winning the lottery, but I’m going to chance it anyway, because even if you don’t ever see it, I will feel better for writing it.
There have been many thoughtful and unusual things done in the name of our son. One of the first ones came from the Army by allowing us to have his body here in California, for his hometown to pay their respects...before he went to Arlington. I have no idea where the order for that came from, but based on what I learned in my tour of duty; it wasn’t from the company level.
To whoever is responsible for making that possible, I humbly say thank you and I’m grateful. His site at Arlington looks directly at the section of the Pentagon impacted on September eleven. A fitting place for a warrior, who lost his life in a battle, started that day, to rest.
When you were first elected, I was very happy and was thanking the "stupies" in Florida that made it possible. As time goes by, each day I’m more and more convinced it was divine intervention. I’ve not seen anyone more suited for his role, than you are...you are, for sure, the man for the hour. I wonder if you realize what great changes you are making possible in our country?
After my son died, I found myself doing things I never would have considered before (this letter is one). Along with this came some long hours of wondering and thought. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that what’s been missing in our country is faith: And its demise came out of the Viet Nam "experience".
When I say faith; I’m not talking about only spiritual Faith. I mean faith in your parents, faith in your teachers, faith in the police, etcetera, etcetera. What’s the first thing they teach you in the military? "Have faith in your buddy", " faith in your weapon", " faith in your commanders".
The betrayal of our troops and the rest of us created a whole new species of Americans prone to suspicion and distrust...toward anything...and it’s lasted thirty years, through multiple Presidents.
I can tell you sir, based on the literally hundreds of people that have connected with me through the mail, or talking, or the internet, our country is getting well...and you are the main reason. For the first time in many years we have a leader that says what he means and means what he says...and then does it! That really isn’t an overwhelming assignment, but for some, it’s insurmountable.
By example, you are showing not only Americans, but the world in general, "Proud to be an American" is not an idle statement. As once it was, it is again becoming a lofty goal for people to aspire to...young and old.
I’m glad I’ve lived long enough to be a witness to this transition.
One other thing I noticed about your demeanor yesterday was you seemed less stressed and definitely at ease with the folks you were surrounded by...as they were with you.
Your job, if done in a conscientious manner, includes some decisions that can carry some hefty emotional collateral effects.
I have a piece of work on a wall in my home, written by somebody much smarter than I am, entitled "The Strength of a Man". Among other things, it says: "The strength of a man is not how much he can lift, it is the burden he can carry".
You show the effects of carrying the load necessary in protecting, not only your own people but the others in need, throughout the world. But more importantly, you show, also, the grit to get it done.
I hope none of what I’ve expressed here, has offended or upset you in any way. They are just some things I’ve needed to tell you for some time...as I said previously.
In closing, I’ll share this: While you would not be considered a large man physically, the shadow you cast is as big as any in history...big enough to cover the World. I’m proud that you are representing me and the land that I love.
Respectfully,
Brian Prosser
(Excerpt) Read more at lacitychiefs.org ...
A great letter!
That's a great letter, TexasChrystal.
I, too, am button popping proud of our President's policy in Iraq and of our fighting men and women who made it happen.
I am the father of two two son's that have served our country in Iraq, one of them in the Navy now brought home after a 10 month engagement on the USS Abraham Lincoln (that same ship that our President landed on last month), and his twin brother still serving in the Army on the ground in Iraq with the 4th Infantry.
I have just heard from our son in Iraq, less than a week ago and was quite relieved as you can imagine after going months without knowing his status. Although the majority of fighting is over, the daily sniping and small arms fights has taken its toll on our military even since our President declared the war won ... more than 40 soldiers have lost their lives since this declaration.
I hope and pray for this to be wrapped up soon, that we can help this now free country build it's own militia and police and free democracy that recognizes freedom of religion, freedom of the press and all people are free of tyrany.
I am so moved by your letter, to have your family pay the ultimate price and for you to stand tall and thank our commander in chief for the cause that your son fought and died for. I can assure you that your letter has touched many, and this father of one still in harms way is only one of them.
I thank you again!
God bless you.
William Silverthorn
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
I join your thanks, auto, but it must go to Texas Chrystal.
She posted it.
For sure!
Thank you for the ping, *dansy*, a very heartwarming post.
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