A Solemn Tribute

   The American Serviceman.
 
   He is an exemplary human being.  He is all heart, although he may not show it. Training tells him not to shed tears but, affect him at his core, and he finds it hard to hold them back.  A day off is not an option and he feels out of place on leave; he is not used to his time being his own.  He stands up for what's right.  Not standing up is out of the question; For him, the consequences of standing aside would be unbearable.  His core values are nonnegotiable; They are a part of his being and his fuel to serve.  He would not only give you the shirt off his back but, his life if necessary.  He wouldn't think twice; that is his duty, his calling.  Try to point all of his honors and attributes out to him; he is humble and will attempt to lessen his heroic efforts.  He never sees himself as a hero or brags about his achievements.  In his mind,  there is no other option than to serve.  He doesn't see his service as praiseworthy because, to him, he is merely doing his job.  If he gives his life serving his country, he is contributing to a greater good.  He dies with his boots on.

   Five of these indispensable men did just that on Thursday, July 16.  A senseless act of violence left these men paying the ultimate price and their families with irreparable holes.  These men were fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, and friends.  They can never be replaced.

  So, today, the day that these men were escorted to their final resting places, we are doing our small part to honor them.  We have lowered our flag to half mast.  We hope that others will read this and respond in kind.  The president has not made the official order to lower the flags (even though he has previously ordered it for senators and other government officials).  Our flag flies as a tribute to these men and a poignant statement to all that set eyes on its stars and stripes.

   We thank these men for their sacrifice and our hearts and prayers are with those who were left with a void too great to fill. Please, thank the vets in your life and be grateful that they are still with you.  Say a prayer for those currently serving.  Without these brave men and women, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we all too often take for granted.  

   Gunnery Sargent Thomas Sullivan, Lance Corporal Squire K. Wells, Staff Sargent David Wyatt, Sargent Carson Holmquist, and Petty Officer Randall Smith, may you rest in peace; We cannot thank you enough.    

   Please let us know what you think. Feel free to ask questions and leave nice comments. (If no one has commented yet, there will be a "No Comments" link near the bottom of the post. If someone has already commented, there will be a number and the word "comments" beside it. Just click whichever of these is there, click, "add comment" when the window opens, and type away.)