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
Perhaps in regards to the Haditha Marines however, they have been anything but silent. They are now busy destroying our wounded warriors and their care!
Thank you, all.
Pegita, you have such an amazing gift.
Thank you.
Prayer in Time of Trouble
Lord, in every need let me come to You with humble trust saying, "Jesus, help me."
In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help me.
In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help me.
In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me.
When others fail me and Your grace alone can assist me, help me.
When I throw myself on Your tender love as a father and savior, Jesus, help me.
When my heart is cast down by failure at seeing no good come from my efforts, Jesus, help me.
When I feel impatient and my cross irritates me, Jesus, help me.
When I am ill and my head and hands cannot work and I am lonely, Jesus, help me.
Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help me and never forsake me.
Amen.
Source: Adapted from a prayer from the Real Presence Association
Indeed.
Thank you so much.
Come on in, start at Post #58 and stroll, slowly and quietly, on down the thread.
Your welcome freema.
Darryl,
I hope Justin and his fellow Marines eventually receive fair and impartial treatment. I can't believe they way this whole affair has been handled.
Semper Fi,
There is a great deal of talk about loyalty from the bottom to the top.
Loyalty from the top down is even more necessary and much less prevalent.
George S. Patton, Jr
To USMCPOP:
Sir,
My family and I thank you for your kind words.
Our family would also like to reach out to you and thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you have endured in our fight against terrorism. We will say a prayer for your hero son and ask God to grant him peace.
Semper Fi
Darryl Sharratt
Darryl,
He was just doing his part, as was Justin. Semper Fidelis.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.