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.