Posted on 03/05/2007 4:09:07 PM PST by darrylsharratt
Edited on 03/05/2007 4:33:38 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
HADITHA MARINES.... our MARINES On September 11, 2001 the United States of America was attacked by a ruthless enemy. We watched in silent horror as the images of the World Trade Center were televised to a stunned nation. I can’t imagine how each and every American felt. I do know how a seventeen year old felt that day and each day thereafter. 9/11 cemented my son’s will to become a United States Marine. He told his mother and me he would join tomorrow if he were old enough. In August 2003, Justin Sharratt, our son enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Justin had no visions of grandeur or malice, his was a simple mission. To defend the United States of America from all enemies.
The car ride to the recruitment office seemed like an eternity. We reminisced about the simple things in life. The look on a child’s face as he tried on his first set of camouflage uniforms. The day he caught his first trout. His first soccer goal. The senior prom. The memories which make families....families. The hugs and kisses could not last long enough. For eighteen years we had protected and sheltered our son. It was hard to let him go, almost impossible. The streets seemed deserted. Mom, dad and sis strained for a last glimpse of Justin as we drove away. I will never forget the empty feeling I had as I started the car. Our family wondered if we had done the right thing? For Justin, it was the only thing he wanted to do.
Twelve weeks later Justin completed the first step of the mission. Our family watched as he was pinned with the eagle, globe and anchor. Our son, Justin Sharratt had become a United States Marine. The family album is filled with pictures of this day. Dad and Marine son standing on the hallowed parade grounds of MCRD, San Diego. Mom and Justin posing for a picture under the Marine flag. Jaclyn and Justin sharing a bottle of Gatorade. We were so proud. Our son, the Few..the Proud..the Marines.
Justin served two combat tours in Iraq. He served with 3-1 Kilo Company in Fallujah and Haditha. The majority of Marines in 3-1 Kilo Company were experienced combat veterans. Justin was drilled on the Rules of Engagement and familiar with the Iraqi environment. He and his fellow Marines served this country with honor and diligence. Justin is the heart and soul of the United States Marines Corps. A combat rifleman, where the boots meet the ground. Justin was all he wanted to be.
On 19 November 2005 a convoy of four Marine humvees was ambushed on a city street in Haditha. A massive IED explosion ripped the fourth humvee in the column apart. A comrade was lost, two Marines were seriously injured. 3rd platoon 3-1 Kilo Company was embroiled in a firefight for their lives. In the aftermath of Haditha, 24 Iraqis were killed. 21 December 2006 four NCOs and four officers were charged with violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The media has condemned these Marines. Politicians have leaked false information to add to the frenzy. Many have enlisted in a campaign of lies and conjecture. All of these men are innocent of these charges. They followed the Rules of Engagement, used their extensive Marine Corps training and protected the lives of fellow Marines. They are true heroes. They could when we couldn’t. They did when we didn’t. They answered the call to defend our country like their brethren before them.
My son and his fellow Marines now find themselves in another battle. The Marine Corps, that which they once held so dearly, could now be the instigator of their demise. The charges are unnerving to me. A day hardly passes in which a tear is not shed. I have trouble finding sleep. My family thinks of these Marines daily. They are part of our family. Wuterich,Tatum,DelaCruz, McConnell,Chessani,Grayson and Stone- all part of our Marine family. They are in our prayers,our every thought. Some had made the Marine Corps their chosen life. Others like my son were just beginning the journey. Please allow them into your hearts and prayers. These Marines deserve so much more. They have earned so much more.
These Marines have remained strong throughout this ordeal. Some have remained silent. A few have spoken. Others have said they understand the process. I DON’T UNDERSTAND AND I MAY NEVER UNDERSTAND! These brave men answered the call for all Americans. They have sacrificed so much to defend this great nation of ours. We are at war. A war in which the enemy wears no uniforms, fights by no Rules of Engagement and uses civilians as human shields. Why has the Marine Corps abandoned these heroes? These men did not massacre, as Time magazine reported. These men are not cold blooded killers, as a US Congressman contends. Their Iraqi accusers have been shown to be liars and terrorists. I call on you to end this travesty of injustice. Is this the Corps of Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Tarawa, Okinawa, the Solomons , Inchon, the Chosen reservoir, Hue City and Khe Sanh fame? Do not go silently in the night, resolve to join in their fight!
As the father of Haditha Marine, L/Cpl Justin Sharratt, I have been searching for the answers. Why has the media vilified these Marines? Why have the politicians branded them as expendable? Why has the Marine Corps abandoned these brave men? These Marines need your help and support. Please continue your prayers for our Marines. Reach out to the media in your cities and demand the truth be told. Write your government officials and ask them to join the fight to expose the anonymous leaks. Join me in my fight to exonerate these Marines...our Marines. They will make you proud.
Darryl Sharratt Canonsburg, Pa.
www.justinsharratt.com www.frankwuterich.com
Ping. More from Mr. Sharratt.
For our Marines
For our Marines
It could just be a typo. I have trouble typing numbers too.
OK. I hope these guys are found not guilty of ANYTHING. I really do. But I almost ignored this post because of the Sept. 11, 2003 thing. Gotta be accurate- especially if you wind up having to go testify as a character witness or something.
I feel for these families. I hope the changes in the rules of engagement will prevent something like this from being an issue in the future. But there isn't really any new info in this post to address questions of fact in this case.
Perhaps the mods would be so kind and correct the date?
The father is not arguing the facts of the case. He's asking for support. If you don't want to give it, then please just move on.
Why has the Marine Corps abandoned these brave men?
I would like that question answered to, Mr. Sharratt....praying here for Our Marines.
That may be, but if I was the parent of any one of these Marines, I would be in agony and publicizing it any way that I could. So I think I understand. Thanks for your opinions on the situation. We certainly are in agreement there.
Prayers for our brave Marines.
You, your son, the rest of the Marines and their families have the support of many here at FR, Mr. Sharratt.
God bless you all.
Thanks for the ping. I will post this up tonight...
I don't know what you are talking about, the article says September 11, 2001.
Mr. Sharratt,
I hope you don't find it rude of me to ask, but what job does Justin, a combat hero, have now with the Marines?
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