Posted on 06/02/2007 7:09:28 PM PDT by Wolfstar
Yesterday, a very moving memorial service was held in Torrance, California, for one of our own. Joseph Anzack, Jr., 20, one of the soldiers recently kidnapped in Iraq and found dead a few days later, returned home for the last time. Joe graduated from South High School in Torrance in 2005. His memorial service was held there just two years later.
I'm posting this for two reasons: 1st for the benefit of any California members of FR, to honor one of our own heroes, and 2nd, because of the powerful message that adorned the front door of Joe Anzack's home. Never forget their sacrifice -- and never forget that those for whom young men like Joe have given their lives have more that unites us than divides us.
The door of Joseph Anzack's home is adorned with a yellow ribbon and sign that says, 'United We Stand'.
Link to hometown Daily Breeze newspaper article, and a few quotes:Devin Week, 19, said he was on Anzack's wrestling and swim teams at South High School, and had known him since he was a freshman.
"He wanted to be in the military as long as I've known him," said Week, who met up with the procession in front of Rice Mortuary. "I brought flowers today and said goodbye. Earlier, I was angry at the war. We have no choice but to support it - our good buddies are out there. It's sad that it takes this to make the war real."
Outside South High School, hundreds flooded into the athletic field for the 5:30 p.m. service. Many milled outside, watching from behind a chain-link fence.
Nine-year-old Molly Blank hugged her grandfather, Jim Reinhardt.
"He lived one block from us," said Reinhardt, 79.
David Adams, 21, said Anzack was one class behind him in high school.
"He was a real nice guy, a real intense athlete," Adams said. "Seeing everyone's faces, his dad's face in the limo - it hits pretty hard. I just respect how much he gave for his country."
Bob, the kid was from Torrance. Went to South High, just a stone's throw from where you used to live.
It's deeply moving.
Thanks for posting that beautiful verse, Bahbah.
Thank you for your service, Joe.
My prayers are with his family
You're welcome JJ. And I salute you and all your brother and sister service members on active duty around the world.
I think that pretty much sums it up.
Joe Jr. is going to be buried in Arlington National Cemetary. For those who may be interested, here's a link to a YouTube tribute to Arlington, with Trace Adkins' beautiful song of the same name, "Arlington."
Thanks for unlocking this thread. Much appreciated. It is mostly a photo thread, and so is different from the other one.
Thank you for posting this. It should be on the front page of every newspaper in the US.
Thanks for the link, Wolfstar. I’ll watch it as soon as I can get this thing out of my eyes...
You're welcome.
I understand.
God Bless this great hero and prayers to his family. Thank you for your service.
God bless this brave warrior and give him joyful eternal peace in God's heaven, for he has already been to Hell. May his family and friends find comfort in his life, his bravery, love of country and for his "brothers" and his true All-American grit and goodness.
Where do we get men and women of such valor and courage?
Thanks for posting this.....we need every one of our heroes remembered
BTTT
Bump for a hero!
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