We Remember

Part of the Victory in Iraq Rally in June will be honoring the sacrifices of the men and women who gave all to get us where we are in Iraq today. The moment the first drop of American blood hit Iraqi sand we owned it. We purchased it with the first drop.

The men and women who carried on and persevered and attained victory are heros. Plain and simple, they are heros. But there are others who couldn't carry on.

Meet Sgt. Justin Garvey, 101st Airborne, KIA 21 July 2003 Iraq. A young man General David Petraeus said was the best trooper he'd ever commanded while he was CO of the 101st.

I know Justin's dad. We worked together 35 years ago, before Justin was even a gleam, and I saw him again on 11 September 2007 in New Jersey. He has a website set up in Justin's memory.

I called Greg the other day and invited him to the Rally. He said yes.
Then he sent me this article:

I have a friend who lost his beloved son in Iraq. We have discussed the pain of losing a son or daughter and the outrage that the media, and some protesters are determined to exploit the fallen and desecrate their honor while the families suffer acute grief.
The showing of flags draped over the returning fallen is one such example. Protesters trying to disrupt memorial services and burials is another.
My friend did not ask me to write this, I just feel his pain as a parent myself. I feel the outrage. I feel it, but not at the incomprehensible level that these families and soldiers buddies must feel.
Playing politics with these defenders of freedom must stop. Here is another great article on the subjectby Pat Dollard.

*****For “Hobie” (who has a great Dad)*****

I know a man who knows the gift of his son, His son is now gone, but that gift, it gives on.
This man knows pain thrust deep into his soul Yet this wound is tempered by his sons selfless role
His son chose his path for him that was true Marching in boots for millions, by few.
He fought not for fame, for money nor glory His was for country and family, his story.
No other father could of asked any more from the boy and the man that went off to war.
He had the kind heart, we all hope to see with so many friends, strong faith, loving family
He had always excelled at all that he tried Remembering his strength his loved ones had cried
Be it learning, playing or earning his shield Recalling his triumphs on many a field.
He followed his heart and kept his faith strong Nobody can say what he wanted was wrong.
He knew what God knows about other men Denying them freedom is a great sin.
Life is the gift best used with a sight to use it wisely and fight for what’s right
Others that claim that their fight is too just Respect for our fallen is always a must.
Remember without him your path is not clear His families grief has lessened your fear.
Your heart may not care what he gave for you Know it or not, it really is true.
The ultimate price is paid with no personal gain His surviving family pays with their pain.
When his fight is over, his duty is done His trip back home is his last one. No purpose can be higher than giving the due The most honorable return for the brave and the few.

For all of our “Hobie’s” and their families we owe them total gratitude for their sacrifice for us all.
Freedom isn’t free! Support our Armed Forces!