Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Final Salute

"One morning after burying a lance corporal, all I wanted to do was come home and play with my children. Just take them into a corner and play with them. But you know, all I was thinking about while I was playing with them were all those guys out there in harm's way, making all that possible."
-- Casualty Assistance Calls Officer Major Steve Beck, USMC

The Rocky Mountain News' Jim Sheeler has an incredible story of fallen Marines' final trip home, and one of the remarkable people whose job it is to offer what comfort they can to the grieving families.

Slowly, methodically, the Marines brought out the medals and citations and kneeled before a mother or father they had first met on a doorstep. For each family, the Marines also presented a vase of yellow roses, one rose for every year of the Marine's life.

After it was over, Beck sat back and took another deep breath.

"Even some of our Marines say, 'Why are we doing this to the families? Why do you have to keep reminding them?'"

Beck shook his head.

"This isn't about reminding them - they don't need reminding. These families think about this every day of their lives."

He looked up, addressing every person who hasn't felt what those families have.

"This isn't about reminding them," he said.

"This is about reminding you."

Go take a look, and get the tissues ready.

Thanks to Patti for passing this along.

posted by Pam @ 12:36 AM |

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