I know it is Saturday and all

And a lot of folks who stop by during the week do not stop by on the weekends. But I am going to post this anyhow.

Found at Blogs of War via The Petrified Truth.

Retired LAFD firefighter, the father of Special Forces Staff Sgt. Brian C. Prosser, 28, of Frazier Park, Calif.

May 2, 2003
Dear President Bush

I've been wanting to do this since the fifth day of December, two thousand one. That's the day, on a hill in Afghanistan, my son and two fellow soldiers gave their all to the cause of freedom and their country, I have never spent one second thinking they died in vain, but yesterday watching you and the way you conducted yourself on the ship, I knew it was time to write. I guess the odds of this letter getting to you are about the same as winning the lottery, but I'm going to chance it anyway, because even if you don't ever see it, I will feel better for writing it.

There have been many thoughtful and unusual things done in the name of our son. One of the first ones came from the Army by allowing us to have his body here in California, for his hometown to pay their respects...before he went to Arlington. I have no idea where the order for that came from, but based on what I learned in my tour of duty; it wasn't from the company level.

To whoever is responsible for making that possible, I humbly say thank you and I'm grateful. His site at Arlington looks directly at the section of the Pentagon impacted on September eleven. A fitting place for a warrior, who lost his life in a battle, started that day, to rest.

When you were first elected, I was very happy and was thanking the "stupies" in Florida that made it possible. As time goes by, each day I'm more and more convinced it was divine intervention. I've not seen anyone more suited for his role, than you are...you are, for sure, the man for the hour. I wonder if you realize what great changes you are making possible in our country?

After my son died, I found myself doing things I never would have considered before (this letter is one). Along with this came some long hours of wondering and thought. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that what's been missing in our country is faith: And its demise came out of the Viet Nam "experience".

When I say faith; I'm not talking about only spiritual Faith. I mean faith in your parents, faith in your teachers, faith in the police, etcetera, etcetera. What's the first thing they teach you in the military? "Have faith in your buddy", " faith in your weapon", " faith in your commanders".

The betrayal of our troops and the rest of us created a whole new species of Americans prone to suspicion and distrust...toward anything...and it's lasted thirty years, through multiple Presidents.

I can tell you sir, based on the literally hundreds of people that have connected with me through the mail, or talking, or the internet, our country is getting well...and you are the main reason. For the first time in many years we have a leader that says what he means and means what he says...and then does it! That really isn't an overwhelming assignment, but for some, it's insurmountable.

By example, you are showing not only Americans, but the world in general, "Proud to be an American" is not an idle statement. As once it was, it is again becoming a lofty goal for people to aspire to...young and old.

I'm glad I've lived long enough to be a witness to this transition.

One other thing I noticed about your demeanor yesterday was you seemed less stressed and definitely at ease with the folks you were surrounded by...as they were with you.

Your job, if done in a conscientious manner, includes some decisions that can carry some hefty emotional collateral effects.

I have a piece of work on a wall in my home, written by somebody much smarter than I am, entitled "The Strength of a Man". Among other things, it says: "The strength of a man is not how much he can lift, it is the burden he can carry".

You show the effects of carrying the load necessary in protecting, not only your own people but the others in need, throughout the world. But more importantly, you show, also, the grit to get it done.

I hope none of what I've expressed here, has offended or upset you in any way. They are just some things I've needed to tell you for some time...as I said previously.

In closing, I'll share this: While you would not be considered a large man physically, the shadow you cast is as big as any in history...big enough to cover the World. I'm proud that you are representing me and the land that I love.

Respectfully,

Brian Prosser

via the Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Officers Association

Posted by AnalogKid at June 21, 2003 06:37 AM | TrackBack