Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing you in hopes that some background information will assist you in your decision regarding the headstone engraving requested by Michael D. Hernandez’s family.

I had the pleasure of knowing Mike for approximately 12 years. During my years spent in his company, I had the honor of witnessing many acts of unselfish charity. Mike was a good man, dedicated unconditionally to his faith, his family, his friends and his country.

I understand the sensitive nature of the Hernandez family’s request. We, the undersigned ask you to consider the reasons that many of us participate in the hobby of which Mike so much enjoyed and allow this marker to proceed.

Historical re-enacting at its core is to provide a living environment in which to teach society as to how life was in previous times. Some portions of our nation’s history are not the most inviting of topics; however they should be remembered as examples for future generations. Mike was dedicated to that education and remembrance of so many lives cut short during that time period. In your own grounds, you have many men who played prominent roles in the Civil War. The hobby that we participate in transcends flags, state lines and other boundaries, it is there to honor those very men. We, as re-enactors gather to honor our fallen forefathers and portray their sacrifices in a tangible nature so that society today can be further enriched by the knowledge in which we strive to impart.

Mike was greatly loved and respected by all of us within and beyond the re-enacting community. To some of us, he was a father. To some, a brother. To all, a friend. The Hernandez family has asked this particular piece of artwork be placed in memorial to Mike because of the great amount of reverence he held for this nation and its history.

Sincerely and with great reverence,

The Undersigned.