Band of Brothers - Thanksgiving Reflections
I was able to read Stephen Ambrose's book "Band of Brothers" over Thanksgiving. One cannot help but reflect upon and be thankful for the sacrifices made by those of The Greatest Generation who defended our way of life with unspeakable courage and valor.
Particularly poignant was the story of Lt. Thomas Meehan, Commander, "Easy" Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Lt. Meehan's C-47, with 21 men aboard, was loaded with Bangalore torpedoes and blew up when hit by enemy fire in the first hours of D-Day, the remains crashing to the ground southeast of Ste. Mere-Eglise. All aboard were killed. Just days before he died, Meehan had written his wife a letter in which he described why he and his men were being sent to liberate France and conquer Nazi Germany. In his letter, he wrote the following:
"We're fortunate in being Americans. At least we don't step on the underdog. I wonder if that's because there are no "Americans" - only a stew of immigrants, or if it's because the earth from which we exist has been so kind to us and our forefathers: or if it's because the "American" is the offspring of the logical European who hated oppression and loved freedom beyond life. Those great mountains and the tall timber; the cool deep lakes and broad rivers; the green valleys and white farmhouses; the air, the sea and wind; the plains and great cities; the smell of living -- all must be the cause of it. And yet, with all that, we can't get away from the rest. For everyone of our millions who has that treasure in his hand there's another million crying for that victory of life. And for each of us who wants to live in happiness and give happiness, there's another different sort of person wanting to take it away. . ."
"Those people always manage to have their say, and Mars is always close at hand. We know how to win wars. We must learn now to win peace. . . If I ever have a son, I don't want him to go through this again, but I want him powerful enough that no one will be fool enough to touch him. He and America should be strong as hell and kind as Christ. That's the only insurance until human nature becomes a tangible thing that can be adjusted and made workable."
Over sixty years later, Lt. Meehan's words continue to ring true today. Thank you, Lt. Meehan, and all those who have risked their lives over the years to defend our way of life.
Particularly poignant was the story of Lt. Thomas Meehan, Commander, "Easy" Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Lt. Meehan's C-47, with 21 men aboard, was loaded with Bangalore torpedoes and blew up when hit by enemy fire in the first hours of D-Day, the remains crashing to the ground southeast of Ste. Mere-Eglise. All aboard were killed. Just days before he died, Meehan had written his wife a letter in which he described why he and his men were being sent to liberate France and conquer Nazi Germany. In his letter, he wrote the following:
"We're fortunate in being Americans. At least we don't step on the underdog. I wonder if that's because there are no "Americans" - only a stew of immigrants, or if it's because the earth from which we exist has been so kind to us and our forefathers: or if it's because the "American" is the offspring of the logical European who hated oppression and loved freedom beyond life. Those great mountains and the tall timber; the cool deep lakes and broad rivers; the green valleys and white farmhouses; the air, the sea and wind; the plains and great cities; the smell of living -- all must be the cause of it. And yet, with all that, we can't get away from the rest. For everyone of our millions who has that treasure in his hand there's another million crying for that victory of life. And for each of us who wants to live in happiness and give happiness, there's another different sort of person wanting to take it away. . ."
"Those people always manage to have their say, and Mars is always close at hand. We know how to win wars. We must learn now to win peace. . . If I ever have a son, I don't want him to go through this again, but I want him powerful enough that no one will be fool enough to touch him. He and America should be strong as hell and kind as Christ. That's the only insurance until human nature becomes a tangible thing that can be adjusted and made workable."
Over sixty years later, Lt. Meehan's words continue to ring true today. Thank you, Lt. Meehan, and all those who have risked their lives over the years to defend our way of life.
posted by Stefan J. Scholl, J.D. - Exclusive Buyer Agent at 11/30/2005 12:40:00 AM
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