Letters Of War Essay, Research Paper
Letters of War
?Spartan mothers of old, who, when their sons went forth to
battle for freedom and their native land, said to their sons:
?Either come home proudly bearing your shield before you, or upon
it??(Edwards 139). This statement is a quote from Adrain Edwards
to His Mother. This statement symbolizes the true meaning of the
word patriotism. Patriotism is the action, practice or process of
loving, supporting and defending one?s country.
As I have stated in the previous paragraph, that statement
was written by Adrian Edwards to his mother. It is the essence to
what his beliefs are. He volunteered to join the American men to
fight in World War I(Carroll 138). Yes, that is correct, he
volunteered. He was not drafted, nor forced to join his fellow
man to fight in the war, it was his choice. This shows his belief
that everything that life holds is worth dying for, which
includes the country he loves. This idea of patriotism, of love
for ones country, is evident in Letters of a Nation.
The letter, George Saito to His Father, had a dramatic
impact on me as soon as I finished reading it. A soldier is
writing to his father to let him know about his other son, who
died in battle. He wanted to let him know exactly how it
happened, and the impact his son had on his company. His actions
saved many lives, even though his own was taken. He lets his
father know that even though he has lost a son already, that the
volunteering that they had done was not foolish, and that he is
proud to fight for his country (Saito 153). Again, this man
volunteered to join in the fight to preserve his home land, to
fight for what he believed in, and to in the event it might
happen, die for it. He is willing to sacrifice his own life for
ideals greater than life itself. The reason why this letter had
such an impact on me, was because tha
killed in the line of duty. Yet, it seems as though he renders
the idea that even though his brother may be gone, he will
continue to fight for the country he loves and will die trying,
just as his other sibling had done. This is an example of a true
patriot.
In the letter, Clara Barton to Jessie Gladden, it too
demonstrates the ideas of love for one?s country and patriotism.
It reads, ?…and think him equal, if not the superior, of any
warrior of any time?(Barton 136). This section of the letter
shows that a soldier who believes in his cause, which is his
country, is the superior soldier. This letter was written by
Clara Barton, and she talks about the American soldier from when
she was taking part in the Civil War. These soldiers fought for
their country, not because they were told to, but because they
wanted to(Barton 136). And again, one aspect of patriotism is the
action of defending one?s country. And not only does she admit
to saying that these kind of soldiers were good, she says they
are the best. There is one more letter which also helps support
the idea of patriotism and love of ones country.
?That every molly-coddle, professional pacifist, and man who
is ?too proud to fight? when the nation?s quarrel is just, should
be exiled to those out of the way parts…where the spirit of
manliness has not yet penetrated?(Roosevelt 137). These powerful
words were written by Theodore Roosevelt. They are from the
letter Theodore Roosevelt to Mrs. William Brown Meloney. He talks
about how every man should be ready and willing to fight for
one?s country. He goes onto say that any man who is not willing
to defend his home, should be thrown out of his country(Roosevelt
137). I too believe in these words in which Roosevelt speaks.
Everyone should not feel obligated to their country. They should
love and be willing to defend it.