Some Gave All

Our county had its first (hopefully only) soldier to die in the war in Iraq on Good Friday. And for some reason, it's bothering me way more than it probably should, since I didn't even know him. But he was only 23...supposed to get married December 31st of this year. I just keep thinking of all the plans, hopes, dreams, everything that'll never come true for him now. My condolences and prayers definitely go out to his family and his fiancee. Instead of planning a wedding, she now plans a funeral. Instead of wearing white, she'll be wearing black. His funeral is tomorrow. I saw the procession as they brought his body home. It was nice and heartbreaking at the same time to see the veterans saluting his casket as they drove by, the American flags waving everywhere, and his fellow Marines and the police officers escorting his body home. Can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to lose someone close to me in a manner such as that. I honestly don't think I could make it. The families who have suffered that loss and who have been able to go on with their lives are definitely much stronger than I could ever hope to be. And so, even though I didn't know him, this post is to honor the memory of Cpl Bryan James Richardson, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, RCT-2, 2nd Marine Division. Thank you for loving your country enough to believe in what you were doing, and for making the ultimate sacrifice to do it. Rest in peace.