Timothy J Moshier

West Point, 2002

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by 2002 Mom on April 5, 2006:

Exerpts of a note by John A. Hottell, USMA 1964 - KIA 1970, written to his wife Linda, in the event of his death in Vietnam: ...And yet, I deny that I died FOR anything - not my Country, not my Army, not my fellow man, none of these things. I LIVED for these things, and the manner in which I chose to do it involved the very real chance that I would die in the execution of my duties. I knew this, and accepted it, but my love for West Point and the Army was great enough - and the promise that I would someday be able to serve all the ideals that meant anything to me through it was great enough - for me to accept this possibility as a part of a price which must be paid for all things of great value. If there is nothing worth dying for - in this sense - there is nothing worth living for. ......I have known what it is like to be married to a fine and wonderful woman and to love her beyond bearing with the sure knowledge that she loves me; I have commanded a company and been a father, priest, income-tax advisor, confessor, and judge for 200 men at one time;....... ....I lived. I never knew what it is to fail, I never knew what it is to be too old or too tired to do anything........ http://www.west-point.org/users/usma1964/24930/ ========= Tim, I know that those who went before you gripped hands with you on that day, and brought you to God. It is we who are left with the tears, sadness, and always our undying gratitude for your sacrifice. WELL DONE! Be thou at peace.

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