Not Only a Just Cause, but JUST BECAUSE

The entire letter from a proud father regarding the loss of his son in Iraq can be found at Crazy Politico. An extremely touching tribute comes from Mr. Stokely when he responds to whether or not his son died for a "just cause".

"My response is that Mike didn't die for a "just cause", he died JUST BECAUSE - just because he loved his country enough to want to serve it since the time he was in middle school; just because he loved his family enough to want to protect them; just because he loved his friends enough that he would rather fight a war "there" than here; just because he believed in our order of government whereby the civilian government rules and the military obeys, and when the President, with lawful authority(and the approval of Congress, including Republicans and Democrats), calls upon soldiers to go and fight, he believed it was not only his duty, but his honor to go; just because he wouldn't let his fellow soldiers - his guys - go it alone; and just because he wanted to do for others - the Iraqi people - what he would do for his own country."

Also of speical note is how Mr. Stokely signs off on his letter,

"Robert Stokely, Lucky and Proud to be the Dad of
SGT Michael "Mike" James Stokely, KIA Operation Iraqi Freedom 16 Aug 05
2nd Platoon, E Troop 108th CAV 48h Brigaded GA NATL GUARD
15 miles south / southwest of Baghdad near Yusufiyah / IED"

Finally, Mr Stokely comments on loosing his child,

"Life is hard when you lose a child; you have children and you think of them burying you and not the other way around. But war brings a new perspective to the parent child relationship, for the parent is put in a position that they are unable to fulfill a basic parental instinct - protect your child."

Mr. Stokely, my deepest regrets go out to you and your family regarding the loss of your son. Be assured Sir, you completely fulfilled your parental role. You fostered and mentored an honest and dignified young man who believed it was his duty and honor to defend his country so much so he gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country, his life.

As a military member, if I go back to Iraq and die for my country, I would sincerely hope that my parents would reflect on my death as Mr. Stokely has reflected on the death of his son. It would bring me so much more peace in the afterlife than the actions and antics of Cindy Sheehan and her ilk.