[00:03.44]043. Last Letters Home from an American Soldier Who Died in Iraq [00:16.05]To my son, Cecil, [00:18.69]Just a quick note preface before I start in earnest. When I wrote this you were 8, still a little boy. [00:26.76]In 2002, I was called to active duty in the Marine Corps in the War on Terrorism. [00:34.00]On the 11th of September 2001 when America was attacked, [00:39.17]I knew that I would eventually have to go and I was filled with a deep sense of sadness. [00:46.28]That night as you and Keiko were asleep, I looked at your little faces and couldn’t help but fight the tears. [00:54.04]I knew it would be hard for you because I had a similar experience. When I was a little boy aged 6, my Dad, [01:03.24]your Grandpa Cawley, was sent to Vietnam during the War there. I remember how much I missed him, too. [01:11.10]But now unfortunately I have come to realise just how rough it must have been [01:16.45]for Grandpa to be away from his children for a year. Thinking about this, [01:21.75]I wanted to put my thoughts and feelings down for you and your sister. [01:26.33]I am so sorry that I had to leave for such a long time. There is no place I would rather be than with you and Keiko. [01:35.50]You two are the lights of my life. I have known no greater joy than in the few years since you two were born. [01:44.23]I hope to have many more years with you. If this doesn’t happen, [01:49.44]then know that I love you more than words can express. [01:53.50]If for some reason I don’t make it home, I will need you to take care of your little sister and your Mom. [02:00.76]You will be the Man of the Cawley family. Be good my son and God will watch over you as he has me. [02:09.74]I will be waiting impatiently for the time when we can all be together again. [02:15.09]All my love, Dad [02:18.79](Two days after Cawley’s death, his last letter arrived at his family’s home in Utah, [02:24.71]written on the packaging of an MRE Meal Ready to Eat, the US military’s frontline ration. [02:32.50]It consisted of a message in Japanese to his wife and his final words to his children.) [02:40.34]Dear Cecil and Keiko, [02:42.42]Hi little guys. How are you? Daddy is fine. I miss you. Send me a letter okay. [02:49.90]It will make me very happy. I am proud of you. You are such good kids. I will see you again. [02:58.18]Love, Daddy

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