Posted on 12/10/2010 8:29:00 AM PST by rochester_veteran
Rochester, N.Y.- Staff Sergeant Javier Ortiz-Rivera called his boys his little Marines. He loved playing with them and teaching them how to salute and stand tall.
The youngsters used those lessons to bid their father farewell. Wearing tiny Marine uniforms made especially for them, they saluted their father as he was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Seventy family members and friends attended the service to honor Sergeant Ortiz-Rivera. It was his wish to be buried there.
Family members say Javier sensed he was in danger weeks before he was killed in Afghanistan.
In a letter dated the week before he was killed, Javier's brother Orlando says, Javier told his wife Veronica, he was exhausted and was tired of being shot at. Ortiz says he thinks his brother sensed he was in danger. At one point, Javier told his wife, "time seems to be slipping away."
Veronica Ortiz-Rivera received that letter yesterday.
Orlando Ortiz says his brother never questioned his service to his country and loved what he did.
Though his family is devastated, Orlando says they are very proud of Javier and know his children will be so proud, once they understand who their father was and that he died fighting for his country.
Not one person in this Regime and this Congress is worthy of this heroes sacrifice, IMO. Looking at the amoral human waste in this government makes me ill when I read about these American patriots! Harsh words, I don’t think so.
May God hold him in His arms, and give love and support to his family. We will never forget.
sadly, I agree.
One of the most sad pictures I think I have ever seen. May God bless this man and watch over his family. Amen.
Well said!
How very sad a hero that died for America one of many .
After 10 years of our kids dieing in the Middle East, it’s time to bring them “ALL” home. I do not believe that people in Iraq or Afghanistan even understand what our troops are trying to do.....nor do they care. We are not going to change 1000 years of a culture.
What is so sad to me is the children (especially) left behind. I know that heroes die every day for us. I hope this little one can remember his Daddy and all that he did. Just sad.
I feel the same way and I get a tear in my eye when viewing it.
Here's some photos:
Thank God we still have men with families like this. We owe them so much.
A beautiful family. It is so sad when we lose our best.
Prayers for him and for his family.
My heart aches for this family. May God give them comfort and be good to their brave husband and father.
“Not one person in this Regime and this Congress is worthy of this heroes sacrifice, IMO. Looking at the amoral human waste in this government makes me ill when I read about these American patriots! Harsh words, I dont think so.”
I agree with you. I can’t help but contrast the high ideals and clear direction of these troopers with the sleaziness and greasy corruption of our politicians. Our country has a tough, shiny shell and a rotten core.
My deep gratitude to this fine Marine..May God comfort and give strength to his family.
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