Replies

First, welcome to FreeRepublic.

Mere words are inadequate to express my gratitude to your brother and all those who have fought for this great land. The only thing I can say is that I love your brother. I'll never know him, yet I sincerely love him.

Love him for his willingness to put on a uniform and shoulder the burden of protecting me while I go about my daily routine.

Love him for his bravery in taking on a vicious enemy who wants me and all other Americans dead.

Love him for the boy he was and the man he became.

Love him for his own loved ones left behind who now grieve over his loss.

Love him for being an American soldier.

As long as God grants me the ability to know love, I will love your brother and all his brothers and sisters in arms. In a personal sense, he is not my son. In an American sense, he is very much my son. While his death — and those of each precious American son and daughter in uniform — rips my heart, he has made me deeply, humbly, unshakably proud.

"As long as God grants me the ability to know love, I will love your brother and all his brothers and sisters in arms. In a personal sense, he is not my son. In an American sense, he is very much my son. While his death — and those of each precious American son and daughter in uniform — rips my heart, he has made me deeply, humbly, unshakably proud....."

Your words echo the sentiments I find myself feeling every day I hear or read that another of our courageous troops has been killed or injured. They are poignant and well stated.

MBIAAH - Your brother's, and all his comrades, sacrifices will never be forgotten or lost on my family. I have two young daughters who have yet to understand the reality of the world we live in. They, will soon inherit a world that will be dictated by our countries actions now. When I hold them, carry them in my arms, say their prayers with them - I understand all to well that men and women like your brother are attempting to make it a safer place for them.

I will never forget what your brother has done for my family and my country.

May God be with all of them as they bring the fight to the enemies of freedom.