
Gen. John Allen, a top US commander in Afghanistan, marked this Memorial Day by reading the words of Sgt. William Stacey – a Marine who, on his fifth deployment, lost his life when a homemade bomb exploded while on a foot patrol in southern Helmand province on January 31st. He was 23.
Like most, if not all, soldiers on the battlefield, Sgt. Stacey carried a letter to be read if he was KIA. This Memorial Day, I can think of no one better to speak to us on behalf of the fallen warriors than one of the fallen themselves.
“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.
See a photo slideshow of this exceptional young man at ABC News.
I send prayers for our military families, and humbly honor the courage and heroism of their sons and daughters so that I may remain free.
Vietnam era Navy wife, indy/conservative, and an official California escapee now residing as a red speck in the sea of Oregon blue.
Thank you Mata, these few words from a humble man should serve to humble all of us.
Where do they find these men? They walk as giants, may we always be sure to remember and honor them.
More about Stacey:
Seattlepi:
And check out the squad flag.
Cofer Black:
And of course many have grown weary of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; especially when it comes to Afghan soldiers shooting our soldiers in the back, anti-American protests and rioting, complaints about ROE and not taking the gloves off, unappreciation for the expense of American blood and treasure, domestic problems back here at home, etc. All of this works to demoralize.
We can’t save the world…and the cynics and disillusioned may scoff at Stacey’s idealism…but isn’t it still in our self-interest to do what we can to prevent a Taliban resurgence, if it remains within our power to try and do so? Cut our losses or persevere? Will the ultimate costs outweigh the benefits? Or will the ultimate benefits outweigh the costs? What is in America’s best self-interests at this point, after pouring in over 10 yrs worth of war effort?
Not everyone shares in Stacey’s “hearts and minds” commitment:
No matter what anyone says about the military, they made a choice to help and whether or not they succeeded it will always be in the history of this nation that we make the attempt while the rest of the world looks on.
The real pity in this man’s death will be realized when the Taliban, and their AQ friends, come back to power in Afghanistan after we pull out.
It will all have been in vain.
MATA
VERY POWERFUL POST, IT IS SO SAD AND YET WE GET IT, WE GET THE MESSAGE,
HE ANOTHER HERO, WHO DIED FOR HIS COUNTRY, HE FOLLOWED A HARD TRAINING, HE ENDURE AS ALL THOSE WITH HIM, HE IS WITH GOD SO YOUNG SO BRAVE 5 RETURNS IS PUSHING THE ENVELOPE, HE KNEW IT, HE WAS A GIANT WHO WALK THIS EARTH HE WAS BEAUTIFUL INSIDE OUT.
I have shed some tears for this fallen HERO….my heartfelt condolences go out to his family…friends, and Kimmy..I am so sorry… God Bless…