Virginia
October 14, 1945
Dear Betsey,
You, my dear, are a little girl I have never seen, but you are a human who will grow up into a fine young lady. Do you mind if I tell you something? I hope not.
Betsey, you were born into a world of peace. That doesn't mean much to you, but it means a great deal to many people. Some of them you'll know, but many will only be a symbol of liberty - just equal crosses on far-away fields of death.Cherish and honor this birthright, Betsey. Never forget that many men fought and lots of them died, that you may always laugh.
This was a beautiful Sunday, a Sunday full of sunshine. A lot of blood fell across the sun to wash it clean for a day like this. Always, Betsey, honor your Mother and your Father. Your Mother bore you alone because your Father was a soldier. Telling a man goodbye with a smile is not an easy thing, and bringing new life into the world is unequaled in its pain and beauty. Your Father fought, and someday soon, you'll ask him why and what it was like. He'll be very modest, but never forget that it was for your tomorrow that all decent men left all that was theirs behind and went away. Pay them homage.
I guess I sound confused, but Betsey, help to make this a good, clean, happy country. Keep your ideals high and your honor right, and you and your generation fight for the right of free men - fight without guns and deaths and goodbyes. Keep this country at peace so that you and your children can enjoy a slow, kind happiness and never have to crowd many years of living into a few cloudy months.
Thank you for listening, my dear.
Jo Anne Coggin
West Point, Virginia. Letter written to newborn baby girl, Miss Betsey Gooch Wood
West Point, Virginia 1945, 78 years ago (2023)
CHESTY PULLER:
THE CORPS’ MOST
DECORATED MARINE
April 17, 2023 by Mac Caltrider
A Legend Is Born
Chesty was born on June 26, 1898, in West Point, Virginia. "He grew up idolizing Stonewall Jackson and listening to local Civil War veterans recount stories of battlefield bravery. In 1916, while the United States was engaged in the Border War against Mexico, Chesty tried and failed to enlist in the Army. He was denied for being underage. So he decided to follow in Jackson’s footsteps instead and enrolled at the Virginia Military Institute, where the famous Confederate general once taught physics and artillery." Read more...
“I’ve always believed that no officer’s life, regardless of rank, is of such great value to his country that he should seek safety in the rear”—Chesty Puller
As of today, November 10, 2023, this the the 248th birthday of the United States Marine Corp, founded in 1775. Listen to the Official Hymn of the United States Marine Corp.
The "Marines' Hymn" is the official hymn of the United States Marine Corps, introduced by the first Director of USMC Band, Francesco Maria Scala. It is the oldest official song in the United States Armed Forces.
"Crown Him With Many Crowns"
This is the hymn, 'Crown Him with Many Crowns', written by Matthew Bridges (1800-94) and set to the hymn tune, DIADEMATA, composed by George Elvey (1816-93).
Additional Resources
Town History: A Vibrant History of the Beautiful Town of West Point
Historical Society of West Point, Virginia
Church Life in West Point, Virginia
School Days in West Point, Virginia
The West Point Paper Mill
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