Now, I know many of my fellow mindsayers are actively opposed to the military action in Iraq and the administration that initiated it.  You are certainly welcome to your opinions.  War is hell.  That is not a cliche for no reason.  I am not a blind supporter of either the war or the administration.  The fact remains, however, that thousands of our military personel are willing to put their lives on the line, whether right or wrong in our eyes, to preserve our freedom and perchance to help purchase it for the people of other nations.  With freedom, comes responsibility and many even in this country have yet to learn that truth, so it makes sense that in a place where freedom is a new thing, time is needed for the full concept to evolve. 

Both my X and I served in the Army, and now, in 20 days and a wake-up, my youngest daughter will embark on a great adventure.  I, of course, hope she is not sent to Iraq or one of the other "hot spots", but she is willing to go wherever she is needed along with the others who have enlisted in any of the branches of service.  I have been searching for a way to actively support her while she is gone.  In my search, I came across this letter petition.  I offer it to you for what it is ... a small way to support those in harm's way.

 

My name is John Ellsworth and I am the father of LCPL Justin M. Ellsworth U.S.M.C. who was killed in the fight for Fallujah on 13 NOV 2004.

 

I am the Co-Chair of "Families United for our Troops and their Mission" which is a member of the "America Supports You" network. We are a grassroots coalition of Gold Star families, veterans, families with loved ones in harm's way, and Americans who share a deep appreciation for our men and women in uniform and support them in their efforts to make America safer by winning the War On Terror.

 

We at Families United have recently started an on-line petition to show support for our troops and will be delivering it to our Congressmen around September 11th 2007. We have received endorsement from the National V.F.W. in this quest for ONE MILLION SIGNATURES!

 

I am requesting that you provide a link to this important petition on your web site and notification to all of your members to participate in this event.  To link directly to this petition: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/support-america-petition.html.

 

I believe that this is too important to ignore any longer and we need to let our troops know America really does support them, even if Congress doesn’t.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me

 

Repectfully,

 

John M. Ellsworth,
Proud Father of LCPL Justin M. Ellsworth U.S.M.C.
K.I.A. / Operation Iraqi Freedom
13 NOV 2004 - Fallujah, Iraq

 

SIGN PETITION HERE

 

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, is directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated."  ~ George Washington

~ B