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Patriots and Friends,

It is no wonder that many Americans no longer observe Memorial
Day with reverence. Schools no longer teach civics, the courts
exclude God (officially) from the public square, and the media
and malls "celebrate" Memorial Day for commercial sales. Indeed,
Memorial Day has been sold out.

Fortunately, Memorial Day is still reserved by American Patriots
as a day to honor the service and sacrifice of fallen men and
women who donned our Armed Forces uniforms with honor.

When contemplating this Memorial Day, consider these tender
words from 3-year-old Taylor Pokorney at the funeral service
for his father, Marine Corps 1st Lt. Frederick Pokorney, killed
in action recently in Iraqi: "My daddy, my hero, I will take
care of Mommy for you as you asked. We will be best friends.
I will take her to SeaWorld for my birthday like you planned.
I love you. I need you. I miss you."

We invite you to forward this e-mail with young Taylor's
words along to others, as a solemn reminder of who we honor on
Memorial Day. One appropriate way to recognize fallen veterans
and their families is to join with others and help place flags on
the graves of fallen Patriots at your nearest National Cemetery
(generally done the Saturday before Memorial Day).

Founding Patriot John Adams said: "I am well aware of the toil and
blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration,
and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom
I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that
the end is worth more than all the means...." Indeed it is!

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This morning on the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge, we honored the sacrifice of 23 of TASK FORCE TARAWA's Marines killed in Iraq. A formation of 23 helmets, rifles, and boots marking the loss. It was a very sobering event that put new meaning into memorial day for me personally.

Most of those killed were not even born yet when I joined the Marines in 1979. I feel fortunate to be coming home healthy, but at the same time feel an uneasy burden for those killed. It is hard to explain.

We are on the way home now with nearly 2000 miles under the keel. Stopping in Malta for a few days liberty, then due back in Camp Lejeune in late June.

Take care, Shane

I know the feeling Gunny, been there done that. I made it a point to remember, but not beat myself up about it. It is the luck of the draw in combat, nothing more or less. Remember them fondly as I do my lost comrads from an earlier war. They then live on in our memories and in a sense are still with us.

GOD BLESS them and their families.

And thank you for your service and sacrifices on our behalf!!

I Salute you and ALL our fine young men and women willing to go in harms way for us and FREEDOM!