October 1962 was witness to one of the most dramatic and terrifying encounters in modern world history. With the discovery of offensive missile sites in Cuba, it appeared that the United States and the Soviet Union were heading to the brink of a possible nuclear war.

On a Thursday morning, still three days shy of the Soviet announcement that the missiles would be removed from Cuban soil, Bud Wilkinson wrote to easy the concern of his worried son:

10/25/1962 - Thursday AM

Dear Jay,

It was good to talk with you last night. I share your concern over the international situation, but don't believe it is actually a bit different now than it has been for the past 8 or 10 years.

The so-called "cold war" is an actual war - in being - in every way except that there are no overt military operations: On the psychological, economic, and propaganda fronts we are at war and have been for some time: Military operations haven't begun because the Russians know they can't win. As long as we maintain our ability, in the literal sense, to absolutely blast Russia and every living thing there off the face of the earth, there will be no war.

For your generation it is a hard, long road of constant preparedness. In our Christian society we earnestly strive for peace and freedom - but recorded history shows that man - being men - in all ages and generations - has lived in war or the threat of war. It is not pleasant - but unfortunately, it has always been an unpleasant fact of life along with illness, hunger, privation, etc.

Mom said you told her football didn't seem too important now. Actually, Jay, it never has been as an end in itself. Although people distort the idea, the fact remains that the game is fundamentally educational for the participants. As Admiral Byrd said about exploring the Pole - "It isn't getting to the Pole that counts. It's what you learn on the way."

This is the best brief analysis of football. It isn't winning or losing that have lasting value or importance. The effort, the dedication, the sacrifice you make for a cause - your team - the working with others toward a common, most demanding goal. The loyalty, the joys, the disappointments, and above all learning to give your TOTAL best mentally, emotionally, and physically. These are qualities that make a man. And there is no other place they are learned so well.

You will find as you grow older that your football experience will have given you an inner strength and discipline which will enable you to meet the vicissitudes of life and fortune with your head high and your banners flying because you will know what hard, demanding preparation truly is - and that life's challenge is not actually from outside events - but rather with your own self - to do, always the very best of which you are capable.

When you do this - as you always do - you have literally won regardless of the score. I should add that it has been my experience that the score will be right too - (the personal or business situation included) because most people are incapable of delivering their best in all situations. McArthur said "On these fields of friendly strife are sewn the seeds that on other fields in future years, will bear the fruits of victory." He didn't mean only war and battles. He was speaking of all human affairs.

I'm looking forward to seeing you soon - and I'm pulling for the Blue Devils. Good luck this week.

Love always,
Dad