Posted on: Saturday, January 29, 2005
A Salute to the Fallen |
It was the deadliest day for Americans since the Iraq war began nearly two years ago.
Condolences posted by readers:
[Posted on January 31, 2005 at 5:28 pm HST]
Jonathan I can remember like it was yesterday the first day that I met you. It was May,1992 and Brian and I were up to Roy and Mary's. From the first time that you said hello to the last hug that you gave me June 12th 2004 I will never forget the BIG bouquet of wildflowers that you went outside to the field and picked for me. They were the sweetet thing. To see you come through the front door trying to hide them behind your back, I knew that you were up to something when I saw that BIG smile on your face. Jon, you will truely be missed by all....Always
Kim Etterling
Roanoke, Virginia
[Posted on January 31, 2005 at 4:43 pm HST]
I was in Charlie company 2nd platoon 1st Battalion 3rd Marines with some of these Marines the Marines that have passed. I loved them like little brothers, even though most of them were older than me. I had just completed my 4 yrs in the Marines, and was discharged on July 16, 04. These were some of the best Marines in the buisness. I had the privelage and honor to work with these Marines for quite some time and there would have been no one else I'd rather of went to war with. My prayers are with their families. I wanted them to know that those Marines are guarding the streets of heaven because they spent their time in hell. Semper Fi and God bless.
John Badami
Kansas City mo.
[Posted on January 31, 2005 at 1:37 pm HST]
I served alongside Capt Alaniz in '03-'04, and I feel that this has been the darkest day we have faced as Marines in the recent past. My heart goes to one and all who lost a loved one in this and similar tragedies, and to all rest assured, Heaven's streets are guarded by Marines...
Cpl Seavy
San DIego CA
[Posted on January 31, 2005 at 9:24 am HST]
In the last five days the UK and the US military had their biggest daily loss of live in the entire war in Iraq. As a European who was liberated by the great US military forces from fascism decades ago I hope you stay right on track.
Because what are the 31 Sea Stallion and the 10 reported UK Hercules deaths anyway compared to World War II? Peanuts!
Just peanuts so I hope the Americans and most of all the families of those left behing stay right on track with ensuring freedom around the world.
That is what I hope, greetings from a country that has seen the devastating troubles of WWII,
Sincelerly yours,
Reinko Venema.
Reinko Venema
Groningen
[Posted on January 31, 2005 at 6:42 am HST]
All of Oahu was devastated when we learned
that 27 of our Marines stationed at MCAS
Kane'ohe, were killed in a helicopter crash.
Just a few days prior we lost a native sone,
Nainoa Hoe, Lt,. US Army, who was fatally
shot by a sniper in Mosul. We shall forever
remember our fallen, and the scars of their
loss will forever remind us of the value of life
and the trememdous sacrifice our country is
making so other can live free. Mahalo nui loa.
Aloha Pumehana, and God Bless the families
and loved ones of all our fallen heroes.
Luis Parker, MSgt, USMC/USAF (Ret)
Ewa Beach, HI.
[Posted on January 31, 2005 at 3:48 am HST]
I am deeply sorry for your loss... but remember that your love ones fell in what they believe was something great. A love for not just their country but also their family! I too serve our country, and being from Hawaii I fight for our state not just our country. I believe I protect my family before the others in our great nation. I'm sure your loved ones are very proud of what they have done. I hope all goes well with you and yours. God Bless!
Nelson Gutierrez
Fort Walton Beach FL
[Posted on January 30, 2005 at 3:05 pm HST]
To the families of our fallen troops... Stay strong and just know that your sons are looking down on you and want you to know that they love you. Alot of my friends are up there, and every day I wish them back home, but I know that this is their job and they're protecting our freedom. In the time that I worked on K Bay, I've met alot of Marines that truly love doing what they do, and just think that they wouldn't have it any other way. But every day, just keep praying and GODSEND to all of our troops in Kuwait, Beirut, Afghanistan... Any where but home, away from they're friends, wifes, sons, daughters, families....
Latanya Wietlisbach
Ewa Beach, currently Groton, Connecticut
[Posted on January 30, 2005 at 11:55 am HST]
I want to give my condolences to the family of Lt.Dustin.My son is Lt.Robert Merrill and he told me that Dustin was his best friend over there.My heart truly aches for all of you.My son said that he and Dustin spent the last 2 days in Al Asad together.He was a very special friend to my son.I am so very sorry for your loss.If there could be anything at all I could do please contact me.I am praying for God to get you thru this and to give you comfort.In Sympathy and love,Debbie Merrill
Debbie Merrill
Indiana
[Posted on January 30, 2005 at 11:33 am HST]
No words can express nor cure the grief and sorrow so many are feeling today. News of this horrific crash has caused so many families to bear a burden that none ever should. My heart is heavy and as it has every day since the on slaught of Fallujah, skipped a beat upon hearing of this horrific crash, fearing my son, Cpl Turner of A Co. 1/3 was one of the unfortunate. Knowing my son escaped this tragedy, my thoughts and condolences immediately turn to the families of those lost. The bond formed by these young Marines is exceeded by only that of their families. Share their stories, their triumphs and most importantly share them. Never forget them, the other soldiers who have perished and those who are still fighting for us. Semper Fi!
M Turner
Laplata, MD
[Posted on January 30, 2005 at 10:21 am HST]
To all the families of soldiers who have died in Iraq - I offer my deepest condolences. May God sustain you in these sorrowful days and keep your hearts in the shadow of His wings. I pray that this war will end and that our troops will return home. May God bless us all - may He give wisdom to our government to make decisions for the safe return of our men and women in the Middle East. My prayers are with all of the wives, children, parents, and siblings of the troops who died and those who are still there.
Rayan
Waimanalo
[Posted on January 30, 2005 at 4:16 am HST]
To the families of the soldiers who were killed, we grieve with you and send you our deepest condolences. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers as you go through this trying time in your lives. May your memories sustain you and may God bless you always. With aloha,
Leina K.
Kailua, HI
[Posted on January 30, 2005 at 2:17 am HST]
from camp blue diamond, al ramadi iraq, on behalf of the four hawaii residents here - whom i know of - our prayers are with the families and loved ones of our marines. this base is the hq of the 1mardiv, and the loss has been felt here in a very particular way. i am here as a civilian army employee, but can report that the marines response to this tragdey is, as it should be ... semper fi
brian d bott
hilo
[Posted on January 30, 2005 at 1:11 am HST]
in the past few months, i have come to know and love(as people)many marines & all have become wonderful friends to me. they will soon be deployed & life will not be the same with out them for the months they'll be gone. all we can do is pray for them as they prepare for their missions, while they are in harms way, & when they come home. to those fighting the battle right now, thank you and take care of each other. it is amazing the brotherhood you marines have and i admire each and everyone of you for that. thanks, for EVERYTHING.
to the one marine that is more then a friend, yes, i will be here for you WHEN you return home. i'll miss you baby! SEMPER FI
to the families of those lost already, the loved ones you've lost AND you will never be forgotten & are always in my heart.thank you
M.C.
kaneohe
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 10:41 pm HST]
My heart goes out to the loved ones of all the soilders who lost their lives in the name of freedom. May God bless you all, and God Bless America. I pray all our soliders will be home soon.
Madelyn Baptist
Wichita Falls, Texas
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 10:27 pm HST]
I am so sorry for the loss of our loved ones. I thank them and their families for the ultimate sacrifice. What can I do to help the pain of this loss? I feel so helpless. All I can do is say thank you and I am so proud to be an American.
CYNTHIA NICKERSON
COLUMBUS, GA
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 9:54 pm HST]
well I just wanted to say That I am very sorry to hear that happend... To the Loved ones I'm very sorry for the lost of a loved one in this big acident... Anyways my heart goes out to you all.....
Kaimana
Anchorage
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 8:13 pm HST]
I pray to Zeus that this war may end tomorrow. I send my condolences to the families, heartfelt condolences, may this needless death end with the war ending today.
lawrence
wailua
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 8:11 pm HST]
Military are not to destroy people,but mighty through God, to the pulling down of the strongholds of the evilness, and to protect what we believe in. I pray for God's comfort upon all the military families, and thru the love of Jesus, they will continue where their lost one left behind. God is a loving God even to all the military. Brother K
Rockie A Kamai
Mililani, HI
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 7:29 pm HST]
My hearts go out to every family that should not have to face so much grief for a war that was not necessary. I hope more families will not have so much grief and may the troops come home right now.
mac
honolulu
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 6:37 pm HST]
Our deepest condolences, thoughts and gratitude go out to all military personnel and their families for their selfless attitude in giving up the comforts of home and family to protect our country and the human rights of our brotherhood of nations. We salute you. God Bless each and every one of you. We say our prayers at night for you.
The Clayton Ohana
San Diego, CA
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 5:22 pm HST]
I am the brother of a Marine Lt. in the 1-3 out of Kaneohe who was serving in Iraq with those killed last week. I know through him that these were outstanding men who served our country with unbelievable courage. My family's hearts go out to the family of those brave Marines. May their sacrifice never be forgotten and forever appreciated. This country is forever in their debt. May peace come to those who lost.
Travis Merrill
Boston, MA
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 5:03 pm HST]
Dear Marines,
My son, Lcpl GP Anderson, is with A Co. 1/3.
Though I feared it was him -- and it was not -- I share my grief with all families and kin.
My own work was an an embed journalist in OIF I,II. I cannot say how deeply we all admire and love the brave souls carrying on this work.
Every parent and child and sibling devastated, know this work was noble. They were out there to stop the killers who wish to kill freedom's birth.
They did the work Marines have done since the founding of the Corps. My service was Army, Airborne. I salute all brother Marines of 1/3.
God Speed, God Keep You on Your Journey Home
Dennis Anderson
Editor, Antelope Vallley Press
Palmdale, Calif.
Dennis Lee Anderson
Palmdale, Calif.
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 3:08 pm HST]
Our heart goes out to our fellow Marines from Kaneohe Bay. I was there 20 years ago and spent the best 7 years of my life in the Marins and Hawaii. Thanks to our fallen bretheren. They will not be forgotten. Semper Fi.
Cary McEntee
Va Beach, Va
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 2:57 pm HST]
My prayers are with the families who have to pick up the pieces of their broken hearts and shattered lives.. May you all find strength and peace from God above.
Dee Papalii
Kalaeloa
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 2:32 pm HST]
My heart breaks for the family and children of the Marines killed in the helicoper crash this week. My check has been sent today, to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation for any USMC child eligible for aid. I know 100% goes to the assistance program. My former,and now deceased, husband was a USMCR pilot in the Korean War. Semper Fi.
VWM
Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Virginia W. Melitz
Thousand Oaks, CA
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 11:30 am HST]
to all the families be stong,god will comfort all of will be with you always.your beloved ones died of helping other peoples that needs their help.god will always be with them and they will always be with you in your heart.god bless all the family of the beloved marines.
jane hauk
honolulu,hi
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 11:00 am HST]
A poem written by an unknown author several years ago for a soldier killed in Northern Ireland give the best consolation I can offer:
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
Lynn Reigle
Saginaw, Michigan
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 10:38 am HST]
Aloha,
I'm a VietNam vet and former Marine born and rise in Hawaii. I would like to pay my respects to those Marines and sailor who made the ultimate sacrafice for Country,God and the Corps. God bless their famlies, may they not be forgotten. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Semper Fi,
Louis M.Hayselden Jr.
Louis M. Hayselden Jr.
Hayward, Ca.
[Posted on January 29, 2005 at 10:36 am HST]
As a military wife of long standing, I feel especially close to the families that lose loved ones. My prayers and thoughts are with the families. I wish I could wrap my arms around each one of them to help give them strength and courage. I believe there is a special place in heaven for military wives and for the mom's of our military personal.
Sandra Bangerter
Kailua, HI
A tribute to Hawai'i troops
