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 will whisper your name.įorgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me - perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar - that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. 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. 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. 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. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed. I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. 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. This moving letter truly reflects a soldier’s willingness to sacrifice all that he/she has for the good of the country. In an effort to encourage the reflection of this important day, below is a letter written by Major Sullivan Ballou to his wife, Sarah. Because had it not been for the bravery our soldiers who have an unconditional love for this country, we would not be able to enjoy the three-day weekend that is spent barbecuing and picnicking with friends and family. Lest the importance of this day be forgotten, we must make an effort to reflect and remind ourselves what, and more importantly, who we are celebrating. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) recognize our fellow Americans who have been laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in a long standing tradition known as “Flags In.” Soldiers participating in “Flags In” have the privilege of placing small American flags in front of the headstone of each fallen hero. In honor of Memorial Day, current soldiers of the 3rd U.S.
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