Family Loses Second Son in Afghanistan Texas Family Loses Both Sons to War By BETSY BLANEY Associated Press Writer

Carmen and Roy Velez of Lubbock, Texas, hold a frame, Wednesday, July 26, 2006, with photos of each of their sons who have been killed in military action in the Middle East. The couple was notified this week of the death of their son, 22-year-old Army Spc. Andrew Velez, right photo, in Afghanistan. His brother, Army Spc. Jose 'Freddy' Velez, 23, was killed in Iraq in 2004. (AP Photo/Joe Don Buckner)

Their sons are true heroes and we should all be thankful for their service. May God grant this family peace of mind and the strength to go on with their lives.

Once upon a time, Mrs. Bixby lost 5 sons in the service of our country. This is the letter President Abraham Lincoln wrote:

Executive Mansion, Washington, November 21, 1864

Mrs. Bixby, Boston, Massachusetts


DEAR MADAM:

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming.

But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours very sincerely and respectfully,


Abraham Lincoln

Do not doubt for one second that our servicemen and women are fighting to save our nation from destruction.  ¶ posted by The Editor 7:35 PM