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May 30, 2004
Seventy-two Reasons
Memorial Day is a day rich with meaning for Marines, Sailors, soldiers and airmen. They understand, perhaps better than anyone else, the sacrifices that have kept our country free. This tribute to our present day heroes was written by Sgt. Major Wayne R. Bell, 1st Marine Division to honor the memories of our Marines who have given their lives to uphold freedom during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Seventy-two. There are 72 reasons why this Memorial Day is a little more sacred this year, a little more solemn.Seventy-two is the number of Marines, Sailors and soldiers assigned to the 1st Marine Division who were killed in action during combat operations in Iraq. Seventy-two patriots upheld our Corps Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Seventy-two to whom we owe our pride, our dignity and our gratitude.
For most, Memorial Day will be a day off from work. Backyard barbecues, time with family and the kick-off to summer mark the day for most Americans. But most Americans aren't familiar with the sacrifices of our Marines, Sailors and soldiers.
Most don't know about Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the 22-year-old Marine who dove on top of a grenade to save the lives of his Marines. But Marines do. Marines know that our Corps' legacy is built on such men, who selflessly gave their lives for their fellow Marines.
Memorial Day is a day to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, such as Cpl. Dunham.
Lance Cpl. William J. Wiscowische was killed in Ramadi, Iraq trying to search out improvised explosive devices. He died trying to keep other Marines safe. We have no greater heroes than Marines such as Wiscowische.
Memorial Day is Wiscowische's day.
Lance Cpl. Elias L. Torrez III had one hand on the steering wheel and another on his weapon as he fired away at the enemy shooting at his Marines. His foot propped open the door to his humvee. He emptied two magazines on the enemy before he was killed.
Remember Torrez on Memorial Day.
Cpl. Daniel R. Amaya led his Marines from the front when he was killed in fighting in Fallujah. He always told his Marines he would be there, leading them. That's how he died, fulfilling his promise to his Marines.
Amaya's day is Memorial Day.
There are 72 reasons why this day, this year is more bittersweet than the rest. I've stood at the foot of memorials in Iraq. A single inverted rifle with identification tags and helmet honors fallen Marines. But Memorial Day is a day that we honor the sacrifices of all those Marines together with those who fought and died in Iraq last year and in Kuwait in 1991. We honor those Marines who were killed in Beirut in 1983. We honor those killed in VietNam and Korea. We remember the sacrifice of the Marines who forged our legacy in the swamps of Guadalcanal and on the beaches of Iwo Jima. Their sacrifice made us the Corps we are today. The sacrifices of the 72 killed in action in Iraq during this campaign is forging that legacy of selfless brotherhood, of one Marine laying down his life for another.
I am truly honored to have served with and continue to serve with some of the finest human beings on the face of the earth - U.S. Marines. I am humbled to stand in the shadows of these warriors who gave their lives for freedom. Their contributions enable this great nation of ours to enjoy the freedom that no other nation can.
It is because of the sacrifices of Marines like those who've fought and died for our country and Corps that I continue to serve. I am proud to serve my country and serve with my fellow Marines.
Although we do not have some of the basic comforts that we are normally used to when at home, we remain modest and determined to carry out all orders to their fullest, led by our noncommissioned officers, supervised by our staff NCOs and fully supported by the officers who issue those orders.
We continue to risk our lives daily in order to complete this mission to enable a country and its people to enjoy the freedom that we have enjoyed all of our lives.
Throughout the year, the sacrifices of our Marines are easily forgotten by most. As a national holiday, Memorial Day serves as a reminder to all to honor those men and women who gave their life in order to secure yours. It is the perfect time to thank those who answered their call to duty.
From my cover to yours, I salute those Marines, Sailors and soldiers on Memorial Day.
Join me: "No better friend; No worse enemy."
This Memorial Day, I'm visiting my son and his wife at the 29 Palms Marine Base. And Sgt. Major Bell is absolutely right. We, as a nation, owe our pride, our dignity and our gratitude to these brave troops that make it possible for us to enjoy a carefree holiday weekend. Thank you, Sgt. Major Bell for your service to our country. And, thank you for reminding us to remember, not just on Memorial Day but on every day.
Posted by Deb at May 30, 2004 06:46 PM
Comments
Deb, thanks for your toughtful post. Semper Fi.
Posted by: Old Jarhead at May 31, 2004 05:08 AM
Second Old Jarhead's sentiment. Thank you Deb.
Well Said!
Posted by: JarheadDad at May 31, 2004 10:54 AM
Excellent post. Thank you.
Posted by: Steve at June 1, 2004 01:07 AM
Thank you for that great message. I hope it's being shared with as many as possible. God bless our Marines.
Posted by: Marine Mom Karey at June 4, 2004 03:55 PM