check out
original political satire
original political satire
Posted on 06/07/2004 4:14:53 AM PDT by Hill Street Blues
THEY ARE the Screaming Eagles, the men of the 101st Airborne. They are among our finest, these men who jump from airplanes into harm's way to engage America's enemies - and keep the peace.
Their history and their distinctive patch are well known. They have roamed the world. And wherever they went, tyrants trembled, dictatorships dissolved, the enslaved were freed.
From Normandy to Bastogne to Iraq, the Screaming Eagles have exhibited all that is gallant about our military personnel. They are emblematic of those to whom Thomas Paine referred when he wrote, "O ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth!"
For each generation of Americans, there are the brave and the young who are called to go forth and vanquish freedom's foes. These are the men that our society delegates as guarantors of our independence. These are the people we look for in times of crisis. These are the people we ask for help in desperate hours. They are worth celebrating in this season of military remembrance.
The character of these men is exemplified by the deeds of four of them - separated by two generations and 1,000 miles.
It is January 1945 - the Battle of the Bulge. The Germans are shelling the men of the 101st. Sgt. William Guarnere learns that one of his men is seriously wounded. Guarnere, of South Philly, attempts a rescue, disregarding his own safety. Guarnere is wounded, losing his leg to an artillery burst.
Guarnere had been wounded earlier in this battle. But, still not fully recuperated, he left the hospital to rejoin his comrades on the front line - something not uncommon among the Screaming Eagles.
Although Guarnere - who was featured in "Band of Brothers" - risked his life, he would tell you that he is no hero. Others would have done the same thing. The real heroes, he'd say, are those who didn't return.
Almost 50 years later, Sgt. Justin W. Garvey, Sgt. Douglas W. Norman and Sgt. Jason D. Jordan of the 101st also volunteered to help their colleagues in distress - even though they didn't have to. Two paid with their lives.
It is July 2003, Iraq. Information is received about an ambush. Because of a communications failure, someone has to warn the post.
Garvey, Norman and Jordan volunteer.
Garvey is past his enlistment and due to return to the states. Norman dismisses the driver of one of the vehicles and goes in his place.
After warning the post, they are ambushed while returning. Garvey and Jordan are killed. Norman is wounded.
Though they were not required to perform this mission, these three risked their lives to save their colleagues.
Two died, and will never be forgotten by their comrades. Norman re-enlisted in their honor while recuperating in the hospital.
It has been said, "Soldiers are citizens of death's grey land, / Drawing no dividend from time's to-morrows."
This is true. The dividends are paid to their fellow citizens - who often do not recognizing their true value.
THE MEN of the 101st Airborne Division know the price. They know too well that freedom is not free.
Today they die willingly so tomorrow, somewhere, there can be born someone who will live in peace. They sacrifice their lives so that others will not have to worship a God in which they do not believe - or be free not to believe in one.
The men of the 101st - as illustrated by the actions of these four - have acted worthy of themselves in the past, act worthy of themselves now and will act worthy of themselves in the future.
They will always keep the faith. They will always shoulder the burden of keeping the peace.
Are we worthy of their sacrifice? They give us the gift of liberty. Will we use it properly?
"Norman re-enlisted in their honor while recuperating in the hospital"...
Contrast this with john kerry - who bugged out after 4 months and three purple heart "wounds". Kerry, by all accounts, did not even spend a day in an infirmary or field hospital. He is a fraud!
While I agree with your sentiments entirely, I don't like to dishonor these worthies by comparing a fraud such as Kerry to them. I am sure that he appreciates even being mentioned in the same breath and hopes that some of their true honor is shed upon him.
Great pic on #2 there CP !Keep up the great work !
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.