Letters

Pay tribute to memory of those who have fallen

Our homeland was attacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001. In surviving those staggering events, we learned that our great country has the fortitude of heart to absorb even the most unspeakable tragedies and move forward, our flag still flying.

The attack led our beloved country into a terrible war of death and destruction in Iraq, yet we see on the news each day our red, white and blue still flying.

We all remember another terrible war, in a different part of the world, when we saw the picture shown around the world of four of our valiant Marines hoisting the American flag high on a hill in victory at Iwo Jima, and read of Army Gen. George C. Marshall’s words: “We are determined that before the sun sets on this terrible struggle, our flag will be recognized throughout the world as a symbol of freedom on the one hand and of overwhelming force on the other.”

Here is a traditional tribute to the memory of those who have fallen, which was signed only by the initials TMP:

“They answered their country’s call to arms, into battle they would go,

Where their final destination was,

No one will ever know.

May their final resting place,

Under some unknown sod, be forever hallowed,

For it is known only unto God.”

So indeed, our collective prayers will continue for the brave men and women of our armed forces around the world as they fight, fall, and die for our freedom and way of life here at home – with Old Glory’s colors still flying, somewhere near. God bless the United States of America.

Harriet M. Adams

Spokane Valley