Last month, much of America was appalled - and the world outraged - by a video that showed four Marines in Afghanistan apparently urinating on the corpses of Taliban fighters.It was, again, a reminder of our weaknesses, and how the madness of war can lay bare the ugliness within us.
This morning, another reminder - of our strengths.
Sgt. William Stacey, a Marine, was killed Tuesday by a roadside bomb while on patrol in Afghanistan. Stacey, a member of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, was stationed in Now Zad, a longtime Taliban stronghold that Americans were liberating.
Stacey, like many soldiers and officers, left a letter to be read if he were killed. The 23-year-old was the son of two professors at the University of Washington, and his parents gave The Seattle Times permission to publish the letter.
It read:
"My death did not change the world; it may be tough for you to justify its meaning at all. But there is a greater meaning to it. Perhaps I did not change the world. Perhaps there is still injustice in the world.
"But there will be a child who will live because men left the security they enjoyed in their home country to come to his. And this child will learn in the new schools that have been built. He will walk his streets not worried about whether or not his leader's henchmen are going to come and kidnap him. He will grow into a fine man who will pursue every opportunity his heart could desire.
“He will have the gift of freedom, which I have enjoyed for so long. If my life buys the safety of a child who will one day change this world, then I know that it was all worth it.”
Peter St. Onge
Well said. Your unselfishness will be rewarded. Rest in peace Marine.
ReplyDeleteIn today's world, where newspapers are dominated by occupy wall street, political spending, and just a general sense of greed, its refreshing to read about a soldier fighting for something so sincerely unselfish. If only these people could be inspired by his character...
ReplyDeleteSemper Fi...
ReplyDeleteThank you Sir for the ultimate sacrifice.
It will not be forgotten.
This is the very reason we the "Patriot Guard Riders" stand so proud at these "HEROS" funerals. Everyone needs to remember and honor these warriors who have witnessed the worst but gave their all for so many. Remember them always
ReplyDeleteIt never ceases to amaze me about how much press is given to a soldier that does something wrong. We don't hear about all the great things they do daily for strangers they didn't know. Even when one dies you might hear a little or see a small blurb. I just want to say THANKS to all those who have served.
ReplyDeleteSemper Fi My Brother
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ReplyDeleteThanks Petey.. So noble of you to bring up the action of 4-19 year olds urinating a 4 dead MUSLIM terrorists while at the same time rememboring the life of a fallen patriot. Very classy of you and I might add very liberal. And let me remind you, the only people "appalled" about the treatment of the vile garbage you call "fighters", the same garbage that stones women to death
ReplyDeleteare liberals like yourself. If you don't believe me do a poll.
Actually Skippy, not just liberals are bothered by US Marines urinating on corpses.
ReplyDeleteI'm conservative. I was in the NC National Guard. I voted Republican in every Presidential election except the last one because McCain wasn't conservative enough. I was disgusted by those Marines' actions. It's a disgrace that they wear the same uniform as Sgt. William Stacey did.
Semper Fi Marine. The Lord God is in need of your honorable service by His side.
ReplyDeleteIf you see a person in unniform today, ask them if you give 'em a hug. And then thank them for their sacrifices. All the while, trying not to cry.
ReplyDeleteTo Skippy and DJ. I don't think that urinating on the dead terrorist was right, but don't be so quick to condem the very people who have helped provide the freedom you have to be able to write your comments. I"ll bet you have never been shot at or had your best friend blown away right next to you. Be careful to judge, last I knew there is only one person that will be doing the judgeing at the end.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written and so true. I thank all of them for their sacrifice. And my heart goes out to your families. Please gain comfort in knowing that some of us know how you suffer, and that our prayers are with you. Semper Fi.
ReplyDeleteElmer Davis said: This country will remain the land of the free so long as it remains the home of the brave. How true...thank you and every service member who has ever served...
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