Memorial Day: A Promise to a Real Ranger

[Tsiyu]

Three beautiful human beings were lost on April 3rd, 2003.

They thought they were going to help a pregnant woman. It was the last good deed they would ever do, the last time their bodies would be alive and whole.

My son was there, could have been one of them, and I know he thinks of these three as brothers and that he remembers them every day of his life.

He returned from Iraq later that Spring. I watched him. I listened. His deepest emotions were for these three lost men. His fear was that they would be forgotten, and he expressed grief over America's negligence and lack of concern for the troops.

I promised him that I would remember them always.


Given recent false stories about the 3/75th, I wondered if I should post this on DU this Memorial Day. Please understand that I am joined in complete solidarity with those who want to expose and punish war atrocities. But it is not fair - nor will it help any of the victims of this war - to blame troops who were not involved, or to make the assumption that every service member is capable of cold-blooded massacre. I am glad that DU sorted out the truth, because the liar was talking about my son's battalion, about my son's brothers, about the men I honor here.

Take a moment to read about these three Rangers.

They were REAL Rangers.


Army Capt. Russell B. Rippetoe :patriot:

http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/rippetoerussellb.html

http://www.militarycity.com/valor/256563.html


Army Staff Sgt. Nino D. Livaudais :patriot:

http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/livaudaisninod.html

http://www.militarycity.com/valor/256559.html


Army Spc. Ryan P. Long :patriot:

http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/longryanp.html

http://www.militarycity.com/valor/256562.html


Sua Sponte

[bahrbearian]

1. God Rest.

[Tsiyu]

2. Thank you

We need to bring our soldiers home.

No more death for oil.


:cry:

[annabanana]

3. Tell your son that we will remember them too. . .. . .eom

[Tsiyu]

4. Thank you

They were good guys.

[hardtravelin]

6. I met Russ

He was a good man.

RLTW

[Tsiyu]

9. RLTW, indeed

Thanks for helping remember

[newyawker99]

11. Hi hardtravelin!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Blue Fire]

5. The Stars and Stripes ripple in the breeze in their Honor.

And in honor of all who have served this nation, and especially those who have given the ultimate sacrafice. The United States of America shall forever be in their debt.

[Tsiyu]

8. beautiful words

So sad that we have lost our best and brightest

[pooja]

7. I wonder

I wonder what should happen this Memorial Day
If all our soldiers should lay their weapons down
and say "I will not fight today"

[Tsiyu]

10. How I wish we could go back in time

Humans will have truly evolved when they stop using violence to solve their problems and increase their wealth.

I believe in a strong military for public defense, not to die so that Cheney can make a few more $$$$ before he croaks.

[Tsiyu]

12. Kicking for Memorial Day

:kick: