I've been very clear that Casualty Reports are one of the most difficult challenges I face. Anyone that finds it easy to identify the best policy of Honoring Our Fallen needs to put more thought into it. They are not political fodder. They did not risk their lives for a politician nor against a politician. They did not sacrifice all so that someone could make a buck or raise a buck for a "Non-Profit." They didn't go to war so that I could get a hit on my site off their deaths.
They took an Oath to Defend the US Constitution and to obey the orders of those appointed over them, all the way up to the Commander In Chief, elected by the
people of the United States, whether they voted for or against the man in office.
They traveled to distant lands to fight an atrocious enemy that wishes to subjugate first their own followers, then those of similar beliefs, and then the world. They traveled to distant lands, lived in austere conditions, with fewer freedoms than they fight to protect for all US Citizens and allied humans that they never met. They fought alongside, either from a distance or within reach of, Afghans and/or Iraqis, of devout Muslims, for Freedom and for Democracy.
They fought an atrocious enemy that desires to kill you, whether you're Christian, Atheist, Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim. We fight an enemy that murders its most devout heretical followers, that murders hostages, that murders children, and throws acid in the faces of schoolgirls.
When one of my Brothers breathes his last, when he or she has given his life, kicking and screaming, in the cause of Freedom, (s)he deserves Honor and Respect. He is NOT just a number. He deserves at the very least his own Moment of Silence. A Soldier of 19 years old has already done more in life than most 30 year old college graduates. An NCO of 20 years of service has done more in a lifetime of commitment than most two other individuals in their lifetimes.
If someone wishes to complain that Michael Jackson, Walter Cronkite, and other celebrities received an official recognition while Our Fallen Heroes have not, then lumping the losses into a single moment is equally wrong.
Hence, I ask that from here forward, a Moment of Silence be dedicated to each Troop, each MilitaryMon beginning at 1800/6PM Central. This builds on the time requested by another tweeter, but I cannot lump them together in 120 seconds. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right.
This week, the following have been reported and these are the moments dedicated to them:
1800-1801 Central CPL Benjamin Kopp, Helmand, AFG, rptd 7/20/09, DOW WRAMC 7/18, 3rdBN, 75th Ranger RGT (reported during last week's Moment of Silence)
"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)
Stumble It!
