This is Jockel Podcast number 135 with echo Charles and me, Jockel Willink.

Good evening, echo. Good evening. Dear Mrs. Spearing, there is grief in my heart and in the hearts

of all my comrades for the great sorrow that this war has brought to you and to us.

We all unite to express our heartfelt sympathy and condolence to the mother and family of one

who has fallen in a cause as imperishable as will be the names of those who have fallen

to defend it. Should there be anything my comrades and I can do to mitigate your grief and

to allay your sorrow? Some little keepsake of Walt as a marine perhaps, but name it dear

lady and it shall traverse the ocean to you. Because you do not know me, please do not

think it presumptuous for me to write. You are Walter's mother. I was his inseparable

friend and comrade. That makes us two kindred souls in common grief for our nearest and

dearest. Then too this letter fulfills my duty that I am bound by oath and will to perform.

Many months ago, Walt and I promised each other that should the God of battles call to one.

The other would console the sorrowing mother. Now Walt has gone west to home and to you forever.

But his figure, his voice, his wonderful personality will always be living truths to me.

I myself should the great call come, will go gladly, confident of a reunion and with faith

in the eternal truth of that cause for which I die. Beneath the green and bellow woods,

forever connected to the honor of the marines lies Walt with his two comrades. Dead on the

field of honor. Above their graves, the stately pines sway in their grandeur and imperishable

monument. But greatest of all epitaphs is that engraved within the hearts of his comrades.

A man than whom there was no peer. In kindness and understanding and comradeship beyond compare.

We alone know what could have been had circumstances so willed it.

Or before whatever sorrow fills us. One thing I swear to you here, hard by that lonely

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