Remembering a fallen veteran

[buck0095]

Wasn't sure were to post this, put thought I might get a good response here. I just received a call informing me that my Aunt's stepson has died in Iraq. I mainly remember him from when we were younger and he was in grade school. About 2 years after I joined the service they told me he was going in as an Army Ranger. Having been to Iraq a couple times, my Aunt and her stepson’s dad has been real supportive of me. I am planning on sending a card to them in this time of remorse. I am looking for an inspirational quote/memorial to help them cope with their loss. I had many of them that I had collected over my military career, but they were lost when my old computer died. I know during unfortunate times like this there are many feelings that are hard for the family to cope with. I know how much my deployments worried my mother and that I would hope she would receive inspiration from other vets if something had happened to me. I'm not the most emotional person and have experienced my fair share of loss, so I just want to make this a meaningful card. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[PEACE]

Buck -

First, let me give you my condolences for the loss. Every loss represents the loss of something completely unique, and yet completely known amongst his brethren: honor, loyalty, and service. In his loss, we all lose.

Second, don't worry about your words being eloquent. I know you want to honor him, and give meaning to the loss suffered by your aunt and his family. In expressing your feelings about his loss, your loss, our loss - you will give voice to the meaning of sacrifice, to the value of hope, and to the permanance of both.

Finally, I will relate what I was once told by an old Navy Chief - not a man of eloquence but one of honor - who once advised, "Some men die from something, this man died for something. Honor that ideal, and you honor the man."

May he rest in peace, and may your pain subside.

peace

[irishlad]

Again I send my condolences as everybody will also. I have lost 3 great friends, co-workers, and the best damn Infantrymen I have been proud to serve with since both wars have started! No loss is greater then those who you live and those you die with.

My prayers go out to you, his family and all service members serving worldwide....may he rest in peace...

[lauderdalehawk4]

I would like to say I'm sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with him as well as those in harms way around the world.

[D.Ulvestad]

God bless you and your family and my condolenses. :crying2:

[D.Ulvestad]

I just wanted to say I shed a tear for everone and each of you who served our country to protect our freedom and make this country one of the best to live in.

God Bless you and those who walk with you.

[D.Ulvestad]

I just wanted to say I shed a tear for everyone and each of you who served our country to protect our freedom and make this country one of the best to live in.

God Bless you and those who walk with you.
Never Give up

[airbornecommo]

Buck,
I know where you are coming from. A good friend of mine died in Afghan, leaving behind a wife and 2 small children. When I went to the memorial service I had no idea what to say to her(hadn't seen them for a couple of years as we both moved through the Army). I think this is one of those situations that everyone knows is hard and it truly is "the thought that counts". So I wouldn't be too concerned with the words you use, I am sure your Aunt will know that they come from the heart and that will mean a lot.
In reference to your request for quotes/sayings I do have some you could take a look at. When we re-deployed from OIF I was tasked with putting together a memorial video for the fallen members of our TF. It was played at a formal function with the families of the fallen soldiers present. I used the following 4 quotes at the beginning of the video

"In the great scheme of things what matters is not how long you live, but why you live, what you stand for, and what you are willing to die for" Paul Watson

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants"Thomas Jefferson

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13

"Cowards die many times before their death; the valiant never taste of death but once" William Shakespeare

Putting together the video was an emotionally draining experience. Inserting pictures and clips of our fallen breathern brought back memories time and time again. I do like to think that it was worth it. Many family members asked for copies of the presentation so I like to think it maybe made them feel a little better.

Best of luck to you in your own mourning as well as your desire to help out your Aunt. My prayers are with you.

[dmclark]

RIP and always remember RLTW.. DM