The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 illustrated to every citizen in the United States just how valuable freedom really is. With the ensuing conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan, it became more evident to all of us that freedom isn't free. No one realizes the price of freedom more than the soldiers, sailors, marines, and their friends and families. Whether it is the service member placing themselves in harms way or the family back home putting in the additional effort to support their family and others like them as they endure the hardship of separation and uncertainty, they are all heroes. So I challenge everyone not to take for granted the freedom that we have, to take the time to thank the servicemen and women who serve / served our country, thank their families for the support and hardships that they endure so that our servicemen and women can focus on the mission, and take a minute to remember our fallen comrades. Don't ever forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom and maintain our way of life. Regardless of your opinion on the war and whether or not we should be there, these heroes gave their lives for US and our Freedom.Three years ago, today, we lost a couple of great American heroes as we began our mission in Iraq for OIF II. In a cowardly IED attack within the city of Tikrit, John "Hans" Kurth and Jason Ford gave their lives serving their country. Hans was a good friend and a respected peer and will not be forgotten. Whether you knew him as Hans, Sir, CPT Kurth, or even dad, his laid back yet positive attitude would always resonate through the room. Having known him made me a better person and his memory drives me to live a life that is worthy of the sacrifice that he made. On this third anniversary of our loss, please take a minute to pause and reflect on the positive impact that our fallen comrades have had in your own life and say a quick prayer to say thanks.
Tricia and I want to personally thank each and every one of you for your service. It was a pleasure serving with each of you and look forward to getting together in the future. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. Stay safe and God Bless.
6 comments:
As a family member, I have experienced many emotions. Love,sadness and sometimes a sense of loss have been a few, but pride in the dedication and committment of our military and their families has been the strongest.
My prayers have been abundant and continuous. They will continue for the rest of my life.
Thank you all for your sacrifices.
AW
T. and I were just talking about this very event last night. It still seems almost unreal and strikes us at the strangest times.
That was a wonderful message Mark! We were thinking about that day and Spencer recalls kicking down doors with you MW and how frustrated the two of you were. I remember talking with Trish about the situation. I hope people will remember these two great American soldiers as well as the rest of our fine men and women in uniform.
Thanks for letting us never forget and to always be mindful of the sacrifices.
Thanks, MW, for the thoughtful post. And thanks for your service as well.
The front page of last Sunday's New York Times pictured an observation post in Ramadi, where my son is now serving his second tour in Iraq, and it reminded me of each of the friends he lost there in 2004.
My son, who is now a platoon sergeant, blogged the details of those first weeks in 2004, including the event that took the lives of Kurth and Ford. I quickly became acquainted via email with many people who knew and loved Hans. Clearly, he was quite a guy.
For those that knew Hans, especially John Alexander, please know that your father/son/friend will always be remembered.
Peace be with you.
Post a Comment