Geoff Rizzo Pled Guilty to Disturbing the Peace

Well, this is some interesting news!

Check out who pled guilty to disturbing the peace while serving as a Torrance PD Officer:

*In 1984, Officer Geoff Rizzo became upset when someone backed into his car in front of a bar. Reiter said Rizzo attacked the driver of the other car and that the off-duty officer was eventually charged with battery, malicious mischief and disturbing the peace. Yim said the other charges were dropped after Rizzo pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace and paid restitution to the victim. Rizzo was suspended from work for one day.

For more information, check out this article from the Los Angeles Times archives.

Well, I guess it comes as no surprise that Geoff Rizzo would speak at the Torrance Democratic Club.

They seem to attract lots of criminals and deviants!

Torrance Democratic Club: Racism, Wayward RINOs, Sexual Harrasment Issues, And Schaper Derangement Syndrome

The Torrance Daemocratic Club has some terrible skeletons in their closet.

Who would have known? Who would have guessed?

Some of the Torrance Democratic Club members have engaged in some pretty unseemly acts. TDC President Jimmy Gow's tresspassing on a veteran's hall is right there at the top of the list, for example.

We could also mention how he tried to turn the removal of a traffic commissioner into a partisan affair, going after me at the Beach Cities Republicans because we all took the lead to ensure that Patrick Furey Jr. was removed from the commission right away.

And then I received some incredible intel.

The Torrance Democratic Club is now meeting at the Hometown Buffet in Torrance.

And someone was able to find out for what is going on in there!

I have spies everywhere.

I have friends, contacts, fellow conservatives, activists, fighters of all backgrounds who are furious with the illiberal political perversities of Mayor Pat Furey, Tim Goodrich, and Social Services Commissioner Jimmy Gow.

Check out the info that I got about the Torrance Democratic Club at one of their more recent meetings!

First, let's talk about Sue Herbers. She is running for District Four to replace Councilman Milton Herring.

And she was speaking at the Torrance Democratic Club. However, she is a registered Independent, but still ... she was speaking at the Torrance Democratic Club!

According to one source, Herbers is using Patrick Furey Jr. as her campaign consultant. Wow! This is unbelieveable. What kind of folly is this? What is she thinking? This guy has been hit with multiple ethical violations. He was fined by the FPPC, too!

Her biggest pitch to the Torrance Democratic Club? She wants young blood in the Democratic party and on the city council. She needs to run because of all the "right-wingers" on the city council. Wow. Not a very centered, non-partisan lady, is she? And to think that she was the Clerk for the City of Torrance for years.

Then there was Andrew De Block. He is running against Councilman Mike Griffiths.

He is very progressive, of course, since he was the chief of staff for Al Muratsuchi. He has beeen talking a great deal about the homeless issue, and he is on par with housing the homeless as the best solution to the whole crisis.

Then there's Geoff Rizzo. He has turned out to be the biggest disappointment of them all. This guy is supposed to be a registered Republican, and yet he was speaking at the Torrance Democratic Club meeting at Hometown Buffet earlier this month.

Check out this grainy photo op of Rizzo with Gow:

Here are some things that he shared at the latest Torrance Democratic Club Meeting:

He wants to house the homeless in commercial building, and he wants to build showers for them.

According to my source, Rizzo said that "we must progress " on the homeless issue. Really.

Rizzo has been moving to the left for a long time, since he got elected in 2014, and even after that. He had no interest in doing anything about the pension issues when I talked to him. He has spoken out against concealed carry.

Then he shared that the following image was shared with the Torrance City Council:

This is unreal. Shame on the Black Lives Matter Hate Group that has been harassing Torrance City Council and residents. They think that they have a right to punish everyone else because Christopher "Cowboy" Mitchell chose to steal cars and drive around with an air rifle at his feet.

Notice how they have him floating in the sky with his little angel wings, and a marijuana leaf covering his private parts. Really? This is how they do justice to Christopher Mitchell.

Man, I am so tired of this crap. I am so tired of black thugs getting celebrated, when there are plenty of black lives doing good for this country. Many of these black lives do not want to be seen merely for their skin color, either. They are Americans. They may think of themselves as "African Americans" or "Black Americans", but they are Americans, nonetheless.

Christopher "Cowboy" Mitchell was a violent criminal. If BL(D)M has a problem with the DA not pressing charges on the police, then they need to complain to Jackie Lacey. They are wasting their breath screaming at the Torrance City Council

The very notion of this KKK crap and combining it with the police department is really insulting. On top of that, they have a picture of Christopher "Cowboy" Mitchell looking like some kind of angel, and they portray him getting beaten down by four police officers. Give me a break.

Does the Torrance Democratic Club endorse calling the Torrance Police Department "KKK"?

Rizzo did not want the above picture getting out, because he feared that residents might file a FOIA request on the matter. This is quite disturbing. These Anti-Black haters need to exposed for all that they are doing.

And there's more ...

My source then tod me that there is a major lingering problem in the Torrance Democratic Club.

The California Democratic Party is struggling with several sexual harassment issues. During their meeting in November, Jimmy Gow actually laughed about this. He thinks it's funny.

Another guy was attending the meetings, of course.

His name?

John Paul Tabakian.

This is the same guy who has been switching sides for the longest time, trying to find whichever side he thinks will help him win something or gain ground.

During some he meetings, he says nothing.  He just watches.  When the Torrance Democratic Club talks about the harassment issues that are coming to the forefront, Tabakian supports the women being harassed. In one meeting, John Paul was yelling at Jimmy Gow over the sex harassment issues, and he did this in public, in the parking lot in front of Hometown Buffet.

At one point, John Paul Tabakian announced that he did not want to help the club anymore.

Then there's Torrance Unified School Board member Terry Ragins.

Terry Ragins is seated on the far right

Terry Ragins ... she just sits there, says nothing.  She looked scared. According to my source, she did not react or say anything when the discussions turn to the issue.

And guess who else they talk about?

Yours truly.

They talk about Arthur a lot. Schaper Derangement Syndrome is at an all-time high with the Torrance Democratic Club.

Jimmy Gow saiys I am "unhinged". Tabakian actually spoke in my defense: "At least he doesn't fuck kids."

Jimmy Gow calls me "unhinged." Yes. Right, Sure.

True that. Democrats have a much sicker penchant of doing that. Should we be surprised, since they endorse homosexuality, transgenderism, at the rest of the sorry set of sexual deviance into their arty? Say "No" to all sexual perversions. Of course, Tabakian was very likely alluding to Mr. Eric Bauman, the previous chairman of the California Democratic Party who was ousted after numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. Very serious stuff. So serious, that even Governor Gavin Newsom got involved and demanded his ouster.

But as I wrote above, there is a whole slew of sexual misconduct issues plaguing the California Democratic Party.

They make fun of my videos. They also talked about the video where I got arrested. Good times.

They say I'm a Nazi, part of a hate group, Ku Klux Klan. Blah, Blah, Blah. I wish they could be more original when attacking me.

They are suspicious that I might be bringing in a gun. Funny! They were saying that that is why I can't teach kids anymore. Really funny.

Anti-Immigrant

They make fun of Aurelio... they make cub of his Italian voice. What kind of liberal group goes out of its way to make fun of immigrants? Two immigrants sit on the Torrance City Council, and yet the Torrance Democratic Club and the liberals in the surrounding city go out of their way to mock them. It is nothing short of disgusting. They talk a great game about caring about immigrants, but in reality they just want to use them for their own sick, narrowminded benefit.

My source also told me that:

1. The Torrance Democratic Club wants to raise taxes.

2. They want to form a group to destroy the wall.

3. They are afraid of  Sharon Kalani, who is running for Torrance City Council District Four. They actually that she's is a Nazi, too.

Too bad that they don't know their history all that well. The Nazis were progressives, just like them. EEK!

Final Reflection

A good friend of mine took the time to get this information about the Torrance Democratic Club. This little snippet into their inner workings should give people enough of an idea why people like this--especially Jimmy Gow--should not be anywhere near leadership or governing power in the city of Torrance.

Success! City of Torrance Officially Opposes "Sanctuary State" SB 54

The winning!

The winning never stops, even for California conservatives and Trump supporters.

For about three months, off and on, I had communicated a number of concerns with the Torrance City Council.

I wanted them to issue an official letter/resolution in opposition to SB 54, dubiously labeled "The California Values Act", when it should be called the "California Lawlessness Act", as it would turn California into a sanctuary state for illegal aliens.

How?

The bill, if passed, would forbid local, county, and state law enforcement officials from communicating with ICE following the arrest or release of an illegal alien from detention or imprisonment. Illegal alien criminals, who should not even be in our country, would remain in the state of California, free from ICE detainers and deportation.

This stance is untenable, a brazen disregard for our nation's laws and security.

This cannot stand.

I contacted each of my city councilmembers, urging them to reject SB 54 and stop this robbery of our state's security and well-being.

I was met with concerns, and some councilmembers did share their opposition or displeasure with the bill. But the city council did nothing. No one offered a motion of concurrence. No one brought up the issue for public discussion.

Then I received the following notice from Robin Hvidston of We the People Rising about opposition to SB 54:

Opposition

Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs

Association of Deputy District Attorneys

California Police Chiefs Association

California State Sheriffs Association

City of Camarillo

City of Glendora

City of Torrance

Kern County Board of Supervisors

Los Angeles Police Protective League

Peace Officers Research Association of California

Shasta County Board of Supervisors

The Remembrance Project

We the People (Rising)

West Covina City Council

Numerous individuals

Analysis Prepared

City of Torrance was listed!

I checked the last two bill analyses for SB 54.

Here are the snippets I have taken to share with the public:

There it is, folks!

Torrance is official on record in opposition to SB 54!

How did I miss this incredible development?

Councilman Rizzo informed me as follows:

"It was not an item on the agenda. It was handled through the city's normal process of legislative review."

Fine with me. I would have preferred the elected officials take a public stance as an elected body; nevertheless, I am SO GLAD that my city has taken an official public stance against sanctuary state ruination!

YES!

My Opening Comments to Torrance City Council--June 14th, 2016

Good Evening Torrance City Council:

My name is Arthur Schaper, long-time resident, life-long citizen.

First, I want to celebrate and congratulate Milton Herring, Mike Griffiths, and Geoff Rizzo on their electoral victories.

I am particularly glad for Pastor Milton Herring’s election. He was in third place during the early part of the ballot count, and then vaunted to first place.

His election is historic, not just because he is an African-American, and a Republican, but because of his moral backing and the widespread support he received in this community.

I underestimated his campaign last year, and I am glad that he stayed in and won.

This city is looking for new, moral leadership, where our elected officials serve in the public’s best interest, not just for the financial well-being of special interests.

I also welcome Mr. Griffiths independence and Mr. Rizzo’s measured appreciation for issues as they face the council in the years to come.

I want to further remark that the last-minute machinations of Congresswoman Maxine Water came to nothing, as the candidate whom she had endorsed was ultimate exposed as disloyal and untrustworthy.

No, the reason why these three men won on Election Day has nothing to do with race, bigotry, or narrow-mindedness, but an indication from Torrance residents who want good government, integrated representatives, and a respect for our balanced, conservative values.

Last of all, I wish to share my deep condolences for the tragic massacre which took the lives of forty-nine Americans, and wounded many more following the Islamic Terrorist attack on the Pulse Night club Sunday evening.

Regardless of their personal choices, or their, these men and women did not deserve to die.

LIE-Lani endorsed By the Crazy Black Lady

This terrible act of terrorism in Orlando Florida was not the result of gun ownership. Gun Control will not solve this problem. Imagine if more individuals in that club had possessed a concealed-carry permit. Where law-abiding citizens can exercise their Second Amendment rights, you will find more law-abiding citizens, since wicked miscreants like Omar Mateeen would think twice about attacking any place where someone possess a firearm.

This massacre is a result from the ongoing pattern of despicable political correctness, practiced by our current President and the media at large.

The assassin was a devout, radical Muslim. Twice the FBI had profiled this man. He had professed his radical adherence.

It’s time for people in this county to put aside the skittish political correctness which has silenced so many from speaking the truth.

We are not just talking about radical Islam, or a few lone-wolf fanatics. Islam itself has a problem.

And I am not saying this myself. From atheist Bill Maher to the Egyptian leader to the son of the Founder of Hamas, Mossab Youseff-who is now a devout Christian—Islam has a problem.

For now, though, I will just congratulations to Milton Herring, Geoff Rizzo, and Mike Griffiths for their Election win.

Thank you.

Beach Cities Republicans, June 16th, 2016 Invite

Hello, South Bay Conservatives!

We have a great evening scheduled for everyone this Thursday, June 16^th!

Congratulations to Beach Cities Republicans’ three endorsed candidates for Torrance city council:

1. Milton Herring

2. Geoff Rizzo

3. Mike Griffiths

From the left; BCR VP Tracy Hopkins
Milton Herring, Mike Griffiths, and Geoff Rizzo

Our efforts and outreach are paying off here in the South Bay, and we have three more conservatives, and a Republican majority, back on Torrance City Council.

Conservatives are winning local races, and pushing back against the liberal, progressive machines which have dominated this area for so long.

Now let me tell you about our guests for our upcoming meeting.

Kent Hori

1. Kent Hori, Hawaiian born native, long-time South Bay Resident—and Republican—will be sharing about his story as a young Japanese-American who joined the GOP, and his successful efforts to reach out to fellow Japanese-Americans to support our Assemblyman David Hadley in the general election this November!

And …

Who says conservatives can’t have fun? Or take a joke!

Eric Golub

Well-known, nationally-renowned conservative comedian Eric Golub will share with us a great night of laughter with his politically (right) leaning routine.

Also, at the outset of the meeting, I would like to have a brief discussion about the current Prop 14 jungle primaries here in California. We as a club should take into account that a number of key races in the state will not have ANY Republican competing in the general election.

Let’s discuss what can be done about this frustrating state of affairs for the California Republican Party.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

All the best,

Arthur Schaper

President, Beach Cities Republicans

Election 2016: More Torrance City Council Race Takeaways

I have shared my preliminary happiness about the Torrance City Council race outcomes.

This was a Presidential election year, with an incredibly high Democratic turnout.

Yet in spite of the largely liberal bent of the voters, Three Republicans won the three open council seats.

Good, solid, reform-minded, action-oriented conservatives.

Independent thinking is a must in Torrance.

We need to not just stop the Big Green agenda trying to work its way through the city.

We need leaders in Torrance who will stand up to the labor unions, demand the best for our local businesses, who will ensure that public safety and economic development remain top notch.

The success of the June 7th turnout was a real relief for me:

I had already shared about the signature victory of electing the first African-American to the Torrance City Council.

The greater achievement, however, rests in his service to our country and the ministry of the Gospel. What a wonderful combination we have received in Milton Herring!

Mike Griffith's victory is noteworthy because the mayor's political machinations were determined to remove him. Why? Griffiths had the smarts to call out the mayor, suggesting that he should have recused himself on account of the pro-McCormick spending big money on his election big in 2014. I have heard the store from a number of sources that ...

Mayor Furey attacked Mike Griffiths in front of his colleagues shortly after the McCormick vote. That was wrong. That is evil.

Furey still snaps and mocks people who do not agree with him. His time is short.

Griffiths received no union-backing, either, and yet he won! Good for him. We need common-sense fiscal prudence free of Big Labor interventions.

Also ...

LIE-lani Kimmel Dagostino bit the dust, big time.

I had long-standing contacts with her throughout the election cycle. Shortly after her untimely loss in 2014, when she was within a few hundred votes of making it into the Top Four.

Then she went to the dark side.

First, she started bad-mouthing other people in the city.

She told me that the other candidates running were saying nasty things about the police department, fire department, etc.

She gossips a lot.

Then she allied herself with Pat Furey. I learned so much about what was going on behind the scenes in the city through her.

She had informed me of the mayor's attempt coup to place Ray Uchima on the city council, even though he had not run for office, and was basically trying to buy influence through ethnic peddling.

For all her efforts to bring reform and balance in the beginning, all of it fell away within the last six months.

I saw her at the ExxonMobil meeting in January, and she walked passed me without talking to me. I told how snubbed I felt, and it seemed at the time that she understood how I felt.

Then the news hit the headlines about Pat Furey and son engaging in illegal practices with McCormick Ambulance, and the Fire Department PAC, too.

By then, I had asked Leilani what she was going to do next. She needed to drop Pat Jr. as her consultant and campaign manager.

She was very evasive at that point, stopped returning my calls, and even unfriended me on Facebook.

She drifted further and further away from any kind of principled leadership and campaign integrity at that point.

Then she posted this "endorsement":

Leilani "endorsed" by Maxine "Tea Party Can Go Straight to Hell" Waters

This was too much for many, including me, although by this time I had given up on supporting her.

She was covering up for Pat Jr which according to the campaign filings was still working for her, but under a different company heading.

A lot of concerned conservative voices in the city feared that many women voters would vote for Leilani because ... she was a woman. A number of her supporters were convinced that she would do very well because of her gender.

I am so glad that the voters in Torrance were paying attention to all the facts.

The Daily Breeze even reported the disturbing facts about her campaign. Leilani had boasted to me that she would probably raise $60,000 by January.

She didn't. She had to loan herself a lot of money, and she depended on donations from outside of the city, too!

Now that's just sad.

It was good to see integrity and honesty win out in this election.

It also spells further doom for Pat Furey and his corrupt connections throughout Torrance.

He will probably not remain mayor for much longer, either.

Torrance City Council Election 2016: Success and Restoration

Election Night, June 7th, 2016.

The national and statewide races were not the most compelling element of the evening for me.

Two Democrats running for US Senate.

Dem on Dem fights throughout the state.

I was not as dismayed about David Hadley's second place showing. After all, the turnout throughout the state was huge for Democrats.

Things will not go so well for them in November, I fear, if the civil between Bernie Sanders socialist-activists and the pro-establishment Hillary Clintonites dos not heal.

But right here in Torrance, CA, a restoration of good government and positive principles won out.

Check out the final tally:

At 11:00pm on Election Night, Milton Herring was in third place.

At the end of the final tally, Milton Herring--father, pastor, retired military officer--was in FIRST place.

Incredible.

Milton Herring

From what I have heard, Herring was the last political client for consultant Paul Nowatka, who has served as a Torrance police officer, city councilmember, state assembly candidate, and Republican party central committee chairman.

What a way to end a storied career in The Balanced City! Thanks for your great work, Paul!

Now, Councilman Herring!

He is also the first African-American elected to the Torrance City Council.

More importantly, he holds strong, solid principles.

I also want to stress that he is a Republican!

Here are some of his comments about his political affiliation:

I am a Republican because I believe in the prosperity of America and believe that the Republican Party’s approach is the most prudent one. I believe in strong families are the foundational social order and defining marriage between a man and a woman is the Capstone of the family. I believe in the support of Israel. It is the party that was founded to prevent slavery from spreading into the new Territories and it is called the party of Lincoln. We promote limited government, and maximum freedom. This party led to fight for the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendment to the Constitution.

Wow! Milton makes me feel proud to be a Republican.

I look forward to his leadership and representation on the Torrance City Council.

We have longed for honest government in our city. Since the fallout over Mayor Pat Furey's corrupt practices and disrespect to voters and homeowners in the city; plus the fallout over his corrupt son's campaign lawlessness, the residents of Torrance are looking for honesty and integrity once again.

Sandra Goetz could not have said it better: "The residents of Torrance elected an ordained minister to city council, and he won with the most votes. The city sent a clear message to the city council. We want good government."

Yes, indeed.

Geoff Rizzo

I candidly share that I had concerns about Rizzo. I respect very much his service to the city, including his long career as a police officer and member.

He is also receiving a pension from the city of Torrance. Six figures!

The city needs to address its long-term pension obligations. Certain reforms have been effective, but leadership needs to ensure that public revenue goes toward addressing all public needs.

I have remarked also that he has taken bolder steps to address concerns about public safety and integrity in the city. He is thoughtful and deliberate. He has repeatedly taken time to sit down with me and share his concerns.

I do not see him as corrupt or badly influence in regards to the McCormick vote. Please keep in mind that Councilwoman Heidi Ashcraft wanted to end the contract, but did not receive enough time to review the other bidders.

He is respectful and knowledgeable, and he cares about this city. I had no reservations voting for him.

Mike Griffiths

This candidate has been the most surprising and welcoming of all.

I had not given Griffiths a great deal of hope or attention during Election 2014.

I had sent out a series of questionnaires to a number of candidates, and he did turn in his answers to me on time (I admit I had not articulated a clear deadline).

To see a candidate who had finished in eighth place, then receive an appointment to the council--I thought something fishy was going on.

Or at least that this process was unfair.

And yet Griffiths has articulated the need for a number of key reforms. He has sought ticket forgiveness for city residents who park on the street during the widespread street-sweeping days. He called out Mayor Furey for his controversial, now corrupted, vote for ending the city contract with Gerber and taking on McCormick,

He also aided with the push to remove Patrick Furey Jr. from the Torrance traffic commission.

I underestimated Griffiths, and I am glad that he won his seat in his own right.

Final Reflection

Election 2016, June 7th was a good night for this Torrance Republican!

Congratulations, Milton, Mike, and Geoff!

.

To Our Armed Forces: Thank You For Your Service

Former UN Ambassador John Bolton did not mince words. A Marylander with directness unrivaled (except perhaps by Donald Trump), the national security spokesman blasted President Barack Obama’s latest international visit to Japan as “The Final Leg of His Apology Tour.”

Under the current Occupant in the White House (who is leaving in six months!), the morale in the United States military has fallen drastically. Obama’s left-wing programs of radically equality, especially in the face of evil, has turned the United States armed forces into a failed social experiment. Disorderly conduct has become the norm, with bureaucrats intent on identity politics rather than protecting the character of this country. Radical ideologies push women into the draft. Women have—and are welcome to—serve in many capacities. Have we forgotten the incredible efforts of military wives and girlfriends during World War II? How about the women who have waited and worked for their men who are standing guard for our liberties, and the world’s security?
Then again, what can one expect from a president who wanted to transform this country? How could he offer an honor when he insisted on not seeing any?

I agree with Mr. Bolton, and Barack Obama should have praised the efforts of the American military, including the difficult yet necessary decision to drop two atomic bombs on Hiroshima then Nagasaki. The argument is simple. If the United States did not engage in a final, terminal action, then Allied forces would have had to invade Japan. President Truman’s decision ensured the preservation of millions of lives, putting to an end a destructive, evil totalitarian ideology eating away at the ends of the earth.

Let us never forget to thank the armed forces—then and now—which fought that we may fight, which died that we may live. Without the brave men and women who defended our country in wars here and abroad, the right to self-preservation and self-determination would have fallen away under the crushed pillars of former republics given way to determined despotism.

The American identity, this great country, was founded on armed forces armed for liberty.
The farmers who stood on the fields of Lexington and Concord in 1775, they first took up arms against the Imperial tyranny of the British Army. Their firm example in the face of more equipped and better organized marksmen (and mercenaries) should remind us that no matter how fearful the struggles we face today (rogue Presidents, arrogant local leaders, bureaucracies run wild with no regard for the rule of law, the bigotry of #BlackLivesMatter and other insipid social injustice warriors) we have no right to cower or cave in.

Even today, as I was driving to an event for a Congressional candidate in the Inland Empire (exercising my right to petition for a redress of grievances), I noticed colorful, wonderful, meaningful banners on street lights from intersection to intersection. The profiles of men and women in uniform decorate our fine cities throughout Southern California.

These signs, these banners inform not just the residents of these communities, but all passers-by, that our neighbors, peaceful inhabitants then and now took up arms to fight for our country. From World War II (and also conflicts before)

We have a home today, we are secure in our daily lives, because of the sacrifices taken for us by American military, who took up arms to defend our rights, regardless of the menace which confronted them.

Torrance, CA also initiated this inspiring memorial program a few years ago. The more streets I drive down, the more home-town heroes I learn about. Louis Zamperini is one of many veterans featured in our city: the World War II hero who broke track records at Torrance High School, survived enemy fire (and torture) to return home, receive a spiritual awakening, and inspire millions more.
Geoff Rizzo, one of my city councilmembers, shared with me then everyone else why he wanted to run for city council. He was not just giving back to his community. He was giving back to his father, who tragically passed away when Geoff was only nineteen years old. Thank you for your service, Frank Anthony Rizzo.

My father fought in Vietnam (I called him this weekend to thank him for his service). His father fought in World War II. Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, American forces were aiding the mainland Chinese against the totalitarian Japanese military. Grandpa Arthur Caldwell Schaper was there helping the Chinese.

Before I hung up, my Dad told me: “Thank you for your service, too, to this country.” My small service would not be possible with the greater service of our armed men and women, those who survived to encourage us today, as well as those who died on the battle field.

For my final words, I will let the better phrase of our greatest President speak to all who have known someone who died in combat for our country:

Executive Mansion,
Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.

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 word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering 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,
A. Lincoln
Have a wonderful and restful Memorial Day. There is still so much good to remember, and let us hope that we can attempt, if not measure up, to the efforts of our nation’s Greatest Generations.