Posted on 05/25/2008 8:58:10 PM PDT by Tennessee Nana
As families across the country get ready to remember people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country this weekend.... One Cleveland family is reflecting on one they've lost but also one who's just beginning his military future.
Chris Weir enlisted in the army shortly after his younger brother David, also a solider was shot and killed back in 2006 in Iraq. Chris is training to deploy to southern Iraq, a part of the country not far from where his brother David died. As he gears up for his mission Chris and his family say this weekend has a newer special meaning for them.
American flags in every took and craney, pictures of grandchildren in military uniforms and talk of the army dominating family celebrations, it's clear the Weir family is one patriotic family with a long history of fighting for our country.
"That's kind of in our blood, if you will. That's just kind of what we had the desire to do. It is so easy to let life get in the way a little bit and get caught up in the everydays," said Chris Weir, Private First Classin the 101st Air Assault Division.
And that's exactly what Chris Weir says his life was like before his younger brother David died in Iraq. Chris is now finsihing what David started. He enlisted in the army at 28 years old. He's stationed in Fort Campbell Kentucky training to deploy to Iraq.
" Everywhere I looked I saw David running around. I see things David did everyday. To think of David, the thoughts of David in my mind and get through that and still be able to accomplish my mission," said Chris.
A bracelet with David's name on it reminds him why he enlisted and it's something he never takes off.
" This is what when I get in that situation where it's like ' Man I'm done. I'm done. I cannot do any more.' I look down and say, ' Ok you haven't done anything yet.'"
" That's what I always tried to instill in my children. The importance of what the holidays were for and he got it, said Jackie Weir, Chris and David's Mother.
" I could not imagine, serving with a better soldier. I wish I would've had that opportunity. I really do," said Chris.
Chris is scheduled to deploy sometime this year. He will be presenting awards to Veterans in Bradley County on Monday and on this Memorial Day the family says they will visit David's grave at the Chattanooga National Cemetary.
We are proud of them all in our county...
Inspiring! Thank God for people such as these! My prayers for Chris and his family.
God bless this young man and his family. He is a perfect example of why no one will ever take our freedom away from us. We actually do stand together.....no matter what the people say that hate this country. Put enough pressure on us and we will come down on our enemies like stink in a cat box.
Bump!
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