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Good morning all,
Sixty four years ago this afternoon the world lost a brave young man. Of course, I am talking about my Uncle Dean. Today is also what would have been his 87th birthday. What I now find myself feeling is even more tragic about this is..... his death was neither unique or particularly unusual. His death was mourned by those who knew and loved him, and then largely forgotten for many years. He was but one of the hundreds of thousands who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this country that we all love so very dearly.
I find myself reminded of this every day when I hear on the news that we have lost another brave young soldier. No matter what our personal views on these wars our country is embroiled in I feel compelled to remind myself of the pain so many families continue to experience every single day. All the lost hopes, dreams and potential of so many who leave us far too soon.
So, I am taking this moment to remember, and to thank each and every one of our soldiers, and their families, for sacrifices that many of us will never fully understand, but appreciate nonetheless.
I also wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who have done so very much for Dean's memory and for my family. Your acts of kindness and respect have meant more to me and especially to my dear Dad, then many of you will ever know.
It is hard to believe it was seven years ago this week that the monument erected at Lake Louisa honoring Dean and ALL the aviators lost in Florida during the war was dedicated. I am thrilled to report that it has been replaced, and re-dedicated after it was destroyed during Hurricane Jean a few years ago. I just learned of this a few weeks ago. Apparently, it was re-dedicated in May of this year on Armed Forces Day. While I was upset that no one bothered to let us know it was finished and being re-dedicated, I am very happy nonetheless that it is back in place.
Thank you all again for all your efforts on behalf of Dean. I feel confident that with caring individuals such as yourselves our Veterans will never be forgotten.
May God bless each and every one of our soldiers and their families, and bring them home safely to those who love and appreciate them, and may God continue to bless America.
Karen
_________________
"All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of
us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time"
- Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC
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