The True Meaning of Memorial Day

I first posted this amazing video at NewsBusters four years ago. At the time, the background music was Eric Clapton's "Tears In Heaven." According to YouTube, record producers forced the soundtrack's removal due to copyright infringement.

As such, I offer it again accompanied by Leann Rimes' version of "Amazing Grace":

President Lincoln's immortal letter to Mrs. Lydia Bixby follows with video of it being read in "Saving Private Ryan":

Executive Mansion,

Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.

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 field of battle.

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

God Bless America.