ABC News has posted an interesting and inspirational story about a fallen Marine in Afghanistan who has been returned to the military reception process for the remains of military casualties of all branches of service at Dover Air Force Base.
Marine Sergeant William Stacey died January 31, 2012, many thousands of miles away from his home and loving family while performing his duty for his country with bravery and honor in his fifth deployment overseas since his entry into the Marine Corps in January 2007. He has, in the words of President Lincoln, given his last full measure of devotion in the service of his country.
But Marine Sgt Stacey has left behind an additional legacy which his family has generously shared with all of us. Sgt Stacey had written a letter to be opened by his family in the event of his death. The story does not say when the letter was written but I would speculate that Sgt. Stacey, as he went into harm's way repeatedly serving in one combat deployment after another may have considered his mortality and was clearly aware that he might not return one day. The family of Sgt Stacey provided the letter to the Seattle Times for publication and the story was the subject of the ABC news feature. Follow this link for the full article (written by Alexandra Ludka) and video from ABC.
A portion of the text of Sgt Stacey's letter is produced here:
“My death did not change the world; it may be tough for you to justify its meaning at all,” he wrote. “But there is greater meaning to it…”
“Perhaps I did not change the world. Perhaps there is still injustice in the world. But there will be a child who will live because men left the security they enjoyed in their home country to come to his. And this child will learn in the new schools that have been built. He will walk his streets not worried about whether or not his leader’s henchmen are going to come and kidnap him. He will grow into a fine man who will pursue every opportunity his heart could desire. He will have the gift of freedom, which I have enjoyed for so long. If my life buys the safety of a child who will one day change this world, then I know that it was all worth it.” [emphasis added]
Godspeed Sgt Stacey – Semper Fi
What an awesome letter and what an awesome person he must have been. My heart goes out to his family for their loss.
Ted, thanks for sharing this story of someone who thought about others. Being a vet, I can relate somewhat to this story. I am featuring this on silent majority.
"He will walk his streets not worried about whether or not his leader’s henchmen are going to come and kidnap him."
Must have been written before Obama passed the NDAA bill.
This soldiers thoughts on why he fought is the essence of what is needed to fight against evil. I am sure it weighed heavy that his possible death could help lead to the progressive safety of some but leave his family burdened with only thoughts of possibilities, dreams and memories not realized. There will never be victory - man has free will leaving some to always make bad decisions to the extreme detriment of others. Little victories weather called World Wars, conflicts or whatever label is placed upon the struggle between good and evil are what is achieved and I salute those on the front lines willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and to those who truly love them.
As long as there is still one to save, we will fight. We are now the ones needing saving.
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