Every day Quote by Rick Atkinson
““The troops also edged toward that timeless state common to veteran armies in which the men trusted no one less wretched than themselves. Still they did not hate. But each time they had to bundle up unopened mail for the dead and return it to the rear, their blood rose. An officer noticed that American artillery barrages now elicited raucous cheers. “Lay it on them!” the men yelled. “Give it to the bastards!” And the poignancy of young men dying young intruded every hour of every day. This farewell note was found in a dead pilot’s sunglasses case: Mother, please do not grieve but rather console yourself in the fact that I am happy. Try to enjoy the remainder of your life as best you can and have no regrets, for you have been a wonderful mother and I love you. Jim. It was enough to incite a man to murder.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Liberation of Europe” (World War II history), 1990
War creates paradoxical bonds: soldiers share hatred, grief, and camaraderie while confronting death and moral ambiguity.
In simple terms: War mixes hatred, grief, and camaraderie.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humanity amid conflict.
Themes
war
camaraderie
grief
morality
memory
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
literary
When to use this quote
- military service
- veteran support
- peacebuilding
- education
Key Concepts
history
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does shared trauma affect soldiers’ identities?
- What can societies learn from soldiers’ letters?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may romanticize suffering, overlooking systemic causes.
