Tonight I go to sleep with a heavy heart, for it is the 31st anniversary of our fallen Marines who died at the Beirut Barracks while on a peace keeping mission. So many souls lost forever, and so many affected by the incident that lived. That day had been one of the most silent I have ever heard in the entire Marine Corps. I remember it well, because I was attending the Staff Non Commissioned Officer Academy and we had graduated that afternoon, within the hour the call of the attack had resonated throughout the Corps. The Commandant redirected us and put us on notice, we where needed to serve as escorts for our fallen brothers. All I remember that day was my God what has happened, why did it happened and how could it happen. So many Marines under one roof, unprecedented to loose so many in one swift action. The horror the living had to face could not be even imagined, I felt t sick and so pissed off, you bet you sweet pee pee I curst the hell out of the terrorist and wished I had been there to help, if anything else kill some of those scumbags. As I was given my assignment I notice I was given marching order to escort a Corporal Guillermo San Pedro to Hialeah, FL. At that time I had never been to Florida and much less new anyone there. But my visit there turned out to call me more time after to visit. I didn’t know what to except and fear, anxiety and worries over activate my imagination. Plus the stories of some of the other Marine at the command who had multiple assignments didn’t help. But after meeting Mr. and Mrs. San Pedro I was put at ease by their compassionate and loving way. I was confused and in shock that they were not angrier, hateful or otherwise. I am glad my experience there open a new understanding of human behavior. So, it is for that reason that I shall keep CPL Guillermo “BILLY” San Pedro’s memory alive as long as I live and am able. Perhaps when I die I will find him receiving me at the Pearly Gates to relive him. God bless you all concern. America, the Marines are on duty here on earth and in the heavens so you can sleep in peace. God keep our troops safe. In memory to my brothers at arms, Hector L Carreras SSGT. USMC-Retired
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 03:42:29 +0000
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