Last Letters Home From An American Soldier Who Died in Iraq

To son, Cecil, 　　

Just a quick note preface¹ before I start in earnest². When I wrote this you were 8, still a little boy. In 2002, I was called to active duty in the Marine³ Corps⁴ in the War on Terrorism. On the 11th of September 2001 when America was attacked, I knew that I would eventually have to go and I was filled with a deep sense of sadness. That night as you and Keiko were asleep, I looked at your little faces and couldn’t help but fight the tears. I knew it would be hard for you because I had a similar experience. When I was a little boy aged⁵ 6, my Dad, your Grandpa Cawley, was sent to Vietnam during the War there. I remember how much I missed him, too. But now unfortunately I have come to realise just how rough it must have been for Grandpa to be away from his children for a year. Thinking about this, I wanted to put my thoughts and feelings down for you and your sister. 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. You two are the lights of my life. I have known no greater joy than in the few years since you two were born. I hope to have many more years with you. If this doesn’t happen, then know that I love you more than words can express. If for some reason I don’t make it home, I will need you to take care of your little sister and your Mom. You will be the Man of the Cawley family. Be good my son and God will watch over you as he has me. I will be waiting impatiently⁶ for the time when we can all be together again. 　　

All my love, Dad 　　

(Two days after Cawley’s death, his last letter arrived at his family’s home in Utah. Written on the packaging of an MRE ?? Meal Ready to Eat, the US military’s frontline ration⁷ ?? it consisted of a message in Japanese to his wife and his final words to his children.) 　　

Dear Cecil and Keiko, 　　Hi little guys. How are you? Daddy is fine. I miss you. Send me a letter okay. It will make me very happy. I am proud of you. You are such good kids. I will see you again. 　

　Love, Daddy