Monday, July 13, 2009

Remembering

What with all the hoopla that has surrounded the death of MJ, I think we all need to get our feet back on the ground and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Yesterday morning, on CBS this lady remembered her nephew who gave his life for our country.
Here it is:



My sister-in-law sent this email to me too. It is very poignant!

Yes, Michael Jackson did pass away a week ago, ...and so did:

Army SSG Paul G Smith, 43, of East Peoria , IL
Army SSG Joshua A Melton, 26, of Carlyle , IL
Army SPC Chancellor A Keesling, 25, of Indianapolis , IN
Navy MCPO Jeffrey J Garber, 43, of Hemingford , NE
Army 1SG John D Blair, 38, of Calhoun , GA
Army SGT Ricky D Jones, 26, of Plantersville , AK
Army SGT Rodrigo A Munguia Rivas, 27, of Germantown , MD
Army SPC Casey L Hills, 23, of Salem , IL
Army 1LT Brian N Bradshaw, 24, of Steilacoom , WA
Army SPC Joshua L Hazlewood, 22, of Manvel , TX

***********


This is written by a young soldier serving his third tour of duty in Iraq . Thought you might find his take on the Michael Jackson news interesting.

"Okay, I need to rant.

I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villian to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and
I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant.

Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the Amercian people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood , and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?

Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America . Where is their moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddence," and "thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"

I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan . They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.

Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military;

"So that others may live..."

Isaac.

Please feel free to pass this along on your blogs!

5 comments:

Penny said...

That video made me cry! I have a little cousin who was sent to the Mid East twice, the first time (at 19) for a year, the second (at 22)for 18 months (I think). My Nannie prayed every night for his safety. Thank God, Justin made it home--- he is also my cousin's only child. Another cousin's husband, Jason Wagner, is shipping out this month for Afghanistan. I'd appreciate prayers for him, please.
I'll have to send you part of my kindergarten graduation speech from a couple of years ago. I think you'll love it--- you apparently have a strong sense of patriotism. I'm sick of how lacking this country is in supporting our men and women in uniform. I've never served, but have the deepest respect and gratitude for those who do.

Phil said...

There is no reason for him to apologize if he offended anyone. Anyone that is offended by his comments should have their head examined. I am tired of so many people apologizing for doing the right thing. Say it and if it offends someone, TOUGH!

Linda said...

Penny, I would love to read your speech. Thank you!

Phil, I agree with you too. This young man has earned the right to say the truth without being 'sorry'.

Burkulater said...

Found you from Licha's site...

I've gotta say, this post is perfectly put.

Sally's World said...

amazing post, also, I have an award for you xxx