We are currently taking pre-orders for the video. A portion of the proceeds go to Stephanie Taylor Tompkins. In addition a portion will also go to a fund to help pay for Sgt. Michael Taylor's daughter's education. The price is $6.50.

 

Stephanie Tompkins mourns the loss of her son, Army Sgt. Michael Taylor, along with her other son, Justin Taylor, and her husband, Curtis Tompkins, left, on Monday. Sgt. Taylor, 23, of Hockley, died Dec. 7 in an explosion near his truck in Iraq.

Billy Smith II: Houston Chronicle

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What does the song "The Letter to the Editor" mean to me?

On a societal level, Ed's song means to me that other parents who have lost their children in military wars will be recognized for their silent and unchosen sacrifice. Never have I felt so alone in my grief as I have with the death of my son. I gave him life and was supposed to be his protector. My hope is that all of these parents will hear and identify with "Letter to the Editor" and realize that they are not without sympathy and compassion. The lyrics perfectly express the rise of an American hero from the common people of America -- that faction of society that is, more often than not, unconsidered and disregarded by the levels of society above.

On a public level, Ed's song means to me that my son, Sergeant Michael Charles Taylor, will be remembered and memorialized for the chosen sacrifice that he made for his country, his family and his fellow man. I believe that all who give up their lives in the line of duty for their country should always be remembered and honored by every American who enjoys their day-to-day walk of freedom. In the dark days following my son's death, I could not even begin to consider him a "hero", as he was not just a soldier in my eyes but my living and breathing flesh and blood. Through Ed's song I was able to accept the great sacrifice that he made for all who live beneath the flag of freedom. Thanks to Ed I now believe that Michael is a great American hero as well my precious and beloved son.

On a personal level, Ed's song means to me a warm cloak of comfort which will always be firmly wrapped around my shoulders and tied tightly beneath my chin. I received his song on Christmas Eve, 2005, and upon hearing it, knew that this man had captured the thoughts and feelings that I had been experiencing for the better of two weeks, but could never find the words to express. His intuition surrounding the life and attitude of Michael was uncanny. In four minutes, my thoughts and feelings had been validated by a perfect stranger, who I now consider my friend. "Letter to the Editor" continues to sustain me as I trudge my way through this grieving process -- a grieving process that will never be truly "over" until that glorious day that I hold my beautiful, blue-eyed son in my arms again.

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Call your local station and request this song be played. If they don't have a copy tell them to go to www.edwardsilver.com and we will get them a copy. Thanks