As we celebrate the Fourth of July, it is important to remember the families who will have an empty seat around their family tables today. While only one of the thousands lost, Navy Seal Mike Monsoor’s story is one of pure patriotism and bravery. The video below is particularly moving in the final moments when Seals individually take their gold Tridents and pound them into Monsoor’s casket. I cannot imagine a greater farewell for a true American hero.
SO2 Monsoor was the second Seal lost in Iraq. When a grenade was thrown into his position, he took the blow to protect his colleagues. The photos in this video remind us how each of these thousands of deaths have caused a terrible loss for thousands of other friends and family. While those of us who opposed the invasion remain critical of the President and this Administration, it does not diminish our sense of awe and respect for the sacrifice of people like Monsoor. His story is below.
For the video, click here
Mespo,
Good luck at the football camp. I remember those days, except it was baksetball and volleyball.
Professor Turley,
The video was amazing and poignant. It was hard for me to watch the flag folding ceremony because my mother has gone through that and now that my son is Marine officer, I was a little nervous and proud while watching the video. I hope the Monsoor family can gain some comfort from the kind words from Michael’s fellow SEALs. The Trident ceremony, as you stated, was awesome. Here lies one of our Best and Brightest. RIP
JT:
“Only you would find the perfect (or any relevant) Gaius Valerius Catullus quote.”
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The fruits of a misspent youth, plus almost enough age to have read the original sources. Ave atque vale, and have a happy Fourth with your kids, et uxor. I am off to football camp with my youngest in your neck of the woods to exhibit my complete detachment from the game in front of a hundred or so high schoolers and their parents.
Mespo:
Only you would find the perfect (or any relevant) Gaius Valerius Catullus quote.
You write: “While those of us who opposed the invasion remain critical of the President and this Administration, it does not diminish our sense of awe and respect for the sacrifice of people like Monsoor.”
I might remind you public opinion was against our going to war with Germany also. It is interesting watching Barack Obama’s continued turn to the right as becomes more & more informed, as a result of being a nominee, of the intelligence we have on those that are trying to kill us throughout the world and the impact that would have on America if we were perceived to have lost in Iraq.
Through many countries and over many seas
I have come, Brother, to these melancholy rites,
to show this final honour to the dead,
and speak (to what purpose?) to your silent ashes,
since now fate takes you, even you, from me.
Oh, Brother, ripped away from me so cruelly,
now at least take these last offerings, blessed
by the tradition of our parents, gifts to the dead.
Accept, by custom, what a brother’s tears drown,
and, for eternity, Brother, ‘Hail and Farewell’.
–Gaius Valerius Catullus (ca. 84-ca. 54 B.C.)
Hail and Farewell.