Sunny - Hi 57 Lo 49 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Didn't pick one-- Leaving Natalie Merchant, Wonder.
Ramble:
We lost another local Marine...Lance Cpl. Bryan Taylor. He was a 2004 graduate of Milford High School. Just down the road from where I grew up. Go here for the article. I can't tell you how much this saddens me- another young man, his entire life ahead of him. Bryan had a calling, he knew what direction he wanted to take his life. He didn't take the easy road... No, instead Bryan enlisted and became a Marine. He knew what he faced- he did not enlist in a time of peace. He was one of the most noble of men... our bravest... our finest... He at the age of 20 had better sense of purpose than I do at 41. To take on that kind of challenge - pause and wrap your arms around that thought for a moment... set aside his youthful bravado... Bryan enlisted knowing what he faced... Bryan felt he could be part of change, of setting the path to liberty and freedom for souls that had been living under tyranny... In so doing, he gave the ultimate sacrifice of which none of us can repay.The least we can do is to support our fighting men and women that are still over there. Don't forget them - support them... and be active in your support. There are countless organizations available, many are listed on my sidebar. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers... Pray for their families... In speaking with Sgt. O'Rourke, the news our soldiers and marines are getting about their efforts is there is little to no support back home. We can not lose the American people on this- if the hearts and minds of the American people are lost... then there is no hope. I don't believe that... it can't be... it simply can not be...
2004 April 9 - Just as Lance Cpl Bryan Taylor was probably in his final days as a high school senior and preparing for graduation, another young man- PFC Matt Maupin was captured. He was 20 at the time. Matt graduated from Glen Este High School in 2001. Glen Este is yet another school just down the road from where I grew up. My Uncle Steve, a retired Marine, graduated from Glen Este. We don't know where Matt is. We pray Matt is alive. We pray for Matt's family and ask God to comfort them. Today, as I go about my day, there is a handsome young man somewhere in Iraq, all alone and no doubt afraid. I will keep a candle lit and I will remember him and pray for his safe return and I ask you to do the same. We must keep hope alive. That IS our duty.related: Matt Maupin listed at Wikipedia
And lastly to The Dark Celt: Welcome home SGT. Michael O'Rourke, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. It was an honor to speak with you the other morning. Thank you for your service, thank you for the sacrifices you and your family have made. As a defender of our nation, you saw things that can not be imagined. You did things that put your life in jeopardy. There are no words in the English vocabulary that can show you enough appreciation for what you and your men did for us and for what you did for the people of Iraq. Now it's time for you to get back to the task at hand and get back to your life, but with the satisfaction of knowing you were part of something bigger than all of us- that you were part of bringing liberty and freedom to the people of Iraq. My wish was to meet you face to face, but getting to speak with you on the phone will have to suffice for now. Now, go have a cigar and a Guinness.Remember these men... Keep them in your prayers and remember to leave a light on for them.... They are doing thankless work. They keep us safe.
Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:
Yellow Ribbon Support Center
Friends Working to Free Scott Speicher
Any Soldier
Operation Dear Abby
A Million Thanks
Semper Fi Fund
4 comments:
I will pray for Matt. That's so terrifying, we just want to pretend it's not going on. Thanks for reminding us.
Thanks, Mark. Matt's parents are the salt of the earth. We must continue to pray for Matt's return for their sake.
Cathy,
I was searching for more information about Lcpl Taylor and stumbled upon your blog. As a Proud Mom of a United States Marine currently serving in Iraq, I thank you for remembering our troops.
Matt and Bryan, and their families, remain in my prayers.
God Bless You,
Jill
Proud Marine Mom of Lcpl Adam
Al Anbar Province, Iraq
Jill: I am honored that you took the time to post a note. Thank you for your sacrifice. I can not imagine what you must endure. The families of our brave marines and soldiers must be remembered and prayed for as well. So, thank you for your service.
Post a Comment