13 years ago today I was on board the USS Peleliu docked in Darwin Australia. Marines and Sailors started pouring in the berthing area with looks on their faces that didn’t bode well. When the truth started to trickle out we were all shocked. While we were watching the news and the world reaction, a lady from France came on the news and said “We are all Americans today”. I couldn’t hold back my grief any longer and had to go lock myself in a bathroom stall. I’ve never felt so helpless and lost in all my life. I was far away from my family and my country. As the days passed and we learned we were tasked with bringing the people who did this to justice, my helplessness gave way to resolve. No matter what I had to do, I was willing to do it. 13 years later I look back at my miniscule part in the opening phase of the War on Terror and can’t believe how privileged I was to actually do something about what happened. Most people had to just sit and watch and hope that they were not next. I feel humbled to have served beside some of the finest that my generation has to offer. They amazed with me with their dedication and resolve to the task at hand, and also with the humanity we shared with each other. I count myself lucky to have known them, and miss them greatly. God Bless you my fellow Marines! Semper Fidelis!
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:46:15 +0000
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