Great Americans, Hometown Heroes
By J. James Estrada (02/22/06)
My wife and I watched The Great Raid one recent Saturday afternoon. It’s a fantastic portrayal of a largely unknown World War II rescue mission in the Pacific theatre. It should be shown in every high school in America (along with We Were Soldiers, Mel Gibson’s salute to the Vietnam War). Our soldiers, sailors and Marines engaged in the current war deserve the respect of every citizen of this country, just as we honored those in WWII. Freedom’s way is paved with the cost of precious lifes given. We all need to understand that. Bravery is a trait to be honored.
Speaking of my wife, she thinks having a vegetable garden in our backyard would be cool. So I visited a used book store and found an old soft-covered edition called Growing Your Own Vegetables. While waiting to get change for my $20 bill, I noticed a little jar on the bookstore counter. The note said that any money donated would be used to send books to the troops overseas. I threw my change in and started thinking about a few things.
First, a few weeks ago, I was in a gas station down the block from my house and noticed the car next to me had a logo on it’s back windshield. In the logo design was the name of a fallen hero who, by the dates listed, was only 20 years old. I asked the woman who was driving the vehicle, if this was her son. She said he was her nephew and that she has a son the same age. They were going to sign up together, but, her son changed his mind.
A few days after that, I saw another car with the same logo and memorial to the hero. Obviously, this young man was loved. I did a web search on the name and found that there were testimonials to this hero on the internet at a couple of different sites. The words I read described a young Patriot and a great American.
Another thing I was thinking about as I tucked the veggie book under my arm and walked to the car, was a wedding I attended in Mesa, Arizona on New Year’s Eve. A Marine, whom I learned was only 18 years old, was in attendance in full dress uniform. I wanted to make my way to him to thank him for his service, but lost sight of him once the reception began. I regret not chasing him down.
I did ask about him when we were going through all the wedding pictures and spotted him in one photo. He was at the far end of the dance floor and was engaged in a conversation with some of the invited guests. Someone told me that he’s some kind of computer genius involved in tracking enemy transmissions. I salute him. May God keep him safe.
As for the fallen hero, may he welcome his family many years hence into the conclaves of Heaven, where eagles soar ever swiftly and the righteous sup at the King’s table. There just aren’t the words sufficient enough to express our gratitude and love to all who serve. If, like me, you’re just doing your daily thing around town and encounter one of these champions, or, their family, shake their hands and give ‘em a big hug. That’ll say it all.
Copyright 2006 J. James Estrada
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