In Rembrance....

Memorial Day is about rembrance. I think people forget that this day was set aside to honor those who have given their lives in service to their country. It was originally designated to honor the Union soldiers who had perished in the Civil War. and truthfully it was a jab at the Confederate soldiers who had died. Over the years the holiday changed until it became a memorial to all the men and women who have lost their lives in time of war.

Today all of us who live in the South Bay will be remembering a young man named Joseph Anzack Jr.. actually Pfc. Joseph Anzack Jr. who was killed in Iraq. Now Joe is not the first casualty from the South Bay.. but his story is a little different.... and I would like to share it with you..

Joe grew up in Torrance Ca and from all accounts he was a good guy. He was a great football player at South High. His friends and his coach will tell you that he wasn't just nice...he was also kind with a big heart. They will also tell you Joe had one desire.. he wanted to join the Army and fight for his country. After graduating from High School Joe got his heart's desire.. he joined the Army.

Just about a month ago there was a story in The Daily Breeze. The story was about Joe. It seems that a few of his friends had heard a rumor that Joe had been killed in Iraq. The rumor spread quickly and eventually Joe heard about it and called home to let his folks and friends know the story was not true. I've never met Joe nor do I know his family but that story made me smile.

On May 12, 2007 another story was in the headlines but it wasn't just in the local paper this time; it was part of every news story in all the media. A group of our soldiers had been ambushed.. four had been killed along with their aide and three had been kidnapped. Joe was one of the three.. the other two boys are Spc. Alex Jimenez and Pvt. Byron Fouty. For the last 10 days the Army has been searching for these boys. On Wednesday a body was found in the Euphrates River.. it was Joe. He was 20 years old...I won't go into the details but he did not die gently. This just breaks my heart and makes me so sad for his family..

This is a link to a site on MSN where there are stories about others who have given their lives. It doesn't matter what your political affiliation is or whether or not you think the war is right or wrong. Memorial Day is about honoring all those who have given their lives..