Final Salute: A Fallen Marine Comes Home

I am still crying.
You and I may or may not understand the Marine culture. I don't feel any connection to it and perhaps have been "turned off" due to movies that only portray the machismo aspects of the Corps. When I do think of that comraderie, I can connect with an almost mystical warrior archetype that has existed through time and speaks to me in images from Greece to Rome, from Alexander to Charles Martel, from the Celts to the Vikings to the Masai.

This article is a 12 part story from the Rocky Mountain News.
Politics aside, this has got to be the most powerful piece I've read since this war began.
For me, a powerful piece AGAINST the war. I hope that's what others take from it.
It's beautiful and haunting, real and surreal.
I salute the people involved -- the loved ones, the soldiers, and the writer.

I am still crying. I am crying that they all come home, and not because they've fallen.

http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/news/finalSalute/

people in different ways. I think there´s a good possibilty dumbya would smile.

his middle name.

I don't see how this in any way supports his side of this issue.
I don't think these Marines take a stand either way -- they are doing a "job."
It's a mission. Timeless, ageless, faceless... a mission.

I don't think * will ever understand that, no matter how many times he comes in contact with them during his photo ops. Because to tell you the truth, I am SURE he has never had a talk with any of these men, a real, heart-to-heart. Or he wouldn't use them like he does.

Glad to have another bright face and fine mind!
Thanks for reading the article.

There wasn't a page that didn't have me sitting here with tears streaming down my face. What an emotional experience. Kudos to Jim Sheeler on his portrayal of Major Beck's journeys and to the Rocky Mountain News for printing it. I have not been this drained in a long time.

This article makes me even more furious with our Commander-in-Chief for getting us into this horrible war on lies and for sacrificing all these wonderful men and women for nothing more than ego and greed. These Marines show more compassion when meeting with and supporting the families than Bush ever pretended to show. I am so angry.

Bush should be forced to read this piece...out loud...on public TV, then end it with his resignation from office.

Can you imagine Cindy Sheehan (and ALL the mothers and wives and children) having to go through this ordeal, and then that sanctimonious excuse-for-a-person in the WH not being able to give any comfort or rationale to her (/them) for this loss, this abyss?

I hope more people read this.
I, too, cried through the entire article, and I can't seem to focus this morning.
I'm still stunned, in my jammies.

I cannot imagine. I really cannot.
My heart goes to all of them.

Thanks for sharing.

I've nominated this thread because I believe everyone should take the time to read this article. You cannot read it without being touched. Maybe some Republican lurkers will read it, too.

I have sent it to people who are not members of DU and have also written a note to congratulate the author for his excellent writing and the Rocky Mountain News for printing it.

Everyone should read this.
I've sent it out to the world, too.

Thanks, again.

it was an extremely touching piece and I am
so glad I read it.

I'm glad to share this.
I wish I could get it out here to more of us.

but I still feel new, thanks, tho