First, I want to apologize for the long delay from my last Blog. I have a couple of reasons but no excuses. I had an adventure with the Omicron virus that wasn’t too bad, then I did a face-plant on a tile floor, in the middle of the night, that was bad. Thirty-three stitches and four weeks later, I was good to go – – so I did.

I was rearranging my office when I got home and came across something that I’ve saved for 50 years. It’s a very special letter. It wasn’t to me but rather from a son to his parents. How I obtained the letter is of no consequence however, what it says and the environment in which it was written are.

The year, 1943 (the world was at war – WWII), the age of the writer, 22 years, his country, Japan. His letter defines the word commitment. To some extent, every warrior in every war has made the same commitment to protect his family and country.

I can’t help but to tear up when I read the letter. I wrote a similar letter to be mailed if I didn’t come back, 60+ years ago. Fortunately, it was never mailed. I came back.

“Dear Parents:

Please congratulate me. I have been given a splendid opportunity to die. This is my last day. The destiny of our homeland hinges on our victory. I shall fall like a blossom from a radiant cherry tree.

I shall be a shield for His Majesty and die cleanly along with my friends. I wish that I could be born seven times, each time to smite the enemy. How I appreciate this chance to die like a man! I am grateful from the depths of my heart to the parents who reared me with their constant prayers and tender love. I am also grateful to my country which has been my home, my entire life.

Thank you, my parents, for the 22 years that you have cared for me and inspired me. I hope my present deed will in some small way repay you for what you have done for me. Think well of me and know that your son died for his country. This is my last wish. There is nothing else I desire.

I shall return in spirt and look forward to your visit at the Yasukuni shrine. Please take good care of yourselves.

We are 16 warriors defending our precious Japan. May our deaths be as clean and sudden as the shattering of a crystal.

My eternal love, …………”

I have nothing to add but a thank you for reading this. I think it applies to all who have given their life to protect their country. It applies to both those that didn’t come back as well as to those that did. All I can say is, THANK YOU.