Pajamas Media offers its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Major Andrew Olmsted, a brave soldier and blogger killed in Iraq on Jan. 4. Olmsted’s moving final post, which he asked to be published in the event of his death, is here. Countless tributes to him can be found here.
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I read his last post last night and was moved to tears that a man of this character was here and I knew nothing about his posting until last night. The quality of some men in the military is outstanding and his last post is one that should be shared with the youth of this country that will surely motivate a person to think.
Everybody dies. It’s what you die for that matters.
Hats off to those who put it all on the line in their commitment to make the world a better place.
Rest in Peace, Major Olmsted.
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this brave, unselfish man. Know this, that through your loss, you have paid the highest price possible to ensure the freedoms enjoyed by your fellow citizens. Be comforted by the knowledge that the Major is among friends. Semper Fi.
May God bless this brave man. Some may wish to believe that the ACLU stands between us and Armageddon. On the contrary, our first line of defense is the courageous and highly disciplined members of our military who are experts in violently destroying our enemies. Those who enjoy singing Kumbaya do so primarily because of the sacrifices of soldiers like Major Andrew Olmsted.
Excerpt from Major Olmsteds’ final post(bolds are mine):
end excerpt from Major Olmsteds’ post
Sorry. Just don’t know how one can volunteer AFTER the fact, and still not have stronger feelings about the righteousness of the mission being volunteered for(and ultimately die for), and the circumstances thereof.
(Thomas Moore (1779-1852))
Air “the Moreen” Ancient Irish Air
The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you’ll find him;
His father’s sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;
“Land of Song!” cried the warrior bard,
(Should) “Tho’ all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!”
The Minstrel fell! But the foeman’s steel
Could not bring that proud soul under;
The harp he lov’d ne’er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said “No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and brav’ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!
Some words from Maggie Pierce at Indian Neck 1985