2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Sacred Fire, September 10, 2000
This review is from: Fallen warriors: West Point's class of 1964 (Hardcover)
John Murray has told a straightforward, poignant tale of twenty-four of America's best who went into the fire of combat for their country when called without looking back, and paid the ultimate price on the battlefield. As a contributor to the book, I can say that all of us owe John Murray a debt that we cannot pay. Our war dead must be remembered in the collective memory of our nation, for if they are not, we as a people are not worth much. Whether or not you agree with the war, of for the cause for which that war was waged, those who died are our own, and they fought for us as a nation without thought of reward or recompense. They selflessly gave their lives so the United States could continue as a free nation, and they deserve to be remembered and honored as long as the flag of the United States flies over its sovereign territory. This volume tells the personal story of the twenty-four members of the West Point Class of 1964 who gave their lives for their country, of which my brother was one. In straightforward prose, Murray tells of their character, their motivation, and their mission, and he tells it throught the words of these men's families and friends. For him and for us who contributed, it was sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes joyful, remembering, again, our loved ones who chose the profession of arms and went into the fire at the behest of their nation. On a personal note, Thank You, John, for the book you wrote and the time you took, and for you service, also. Napoleon valued what he called the Sacred Fire in his officers, which was the indomitable will to conquer or die trying. These twenty-four heroes definitely had it, and it inspired others who followed, such as myself, to take up the profession of arms, follow the drum, and serve when my country called, becoming a better man for doing it.
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