Posted on 11/20/2004 4:27:26 PM PST by cpforlife.org
A HERO'S BURIAL
The Covington soldier killed in Fallujah had courage, charm and a maturity beyond his years, a grieving community recalls
When Lance Cpl. Justin Daniel McLeese left for Iraq in June, everyone who knew him was struck by his unshakable confidence that he would make it home.
Perhaps it was simply a 19-year-old's belief in his own invincibility, but McLeese's friends and relatives said it gave them comfort in the uncertain months that followed.
What they did not know was that the night before he left, McLeese asked his best friend to memorize a message for each member of his family in case he didn't return.
Now, those words are helping them cope with the shock of his death.
A 2003 graduate of Covington High School, McLeese was killed Nov. 13 in an explosion during combat with insurgents in Fallujah.
One of McLeese's three sisters, Tara McLeese, shared his parting message for her with an overflow crowd of more than 500 people at her brother's funeral Friday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Covington.
"He said that he would be watching over me and that I was his hero," she said through tears. "Well, Justin, you were my hero. You were a hero to all of us, and we will carry you in our hearts forever."
McLeese, who joined the Marines in October 2003, could have chosen to stay out of combat as his parents' only son. But relatives said he was deeply affected by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and was determined to go to Iraq with his unit, the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines.
"Justin served with honor, courage and integrity," said the Rev. Matthew Clark of St. Joseph Abbey north of Covington. "All who knew him or served with him are continually attesting to this."
(Excerpt) Read more at nola.com ...
RIP Justin
Sorry. I didn't see your note but my comment was not meant for you, it was meant for the author.
prayers ping.
A HERO'S BURIAL
The Covington soldier killed in Fallujah had courage, charm and a maturity beyond his years, a grieving community recalls
When Lance Cpl. Justin Daniel McLeese left for Iraq in June, everyone who knew him was struck by his unshakable confidence that he would make it home.
Many well deserved prayers for a special fallen hero!
Prayers UP for this great American hero!
God Bless his family.
Amen!
If this Nation is as screwed up as it sometimes seems; if it is as screwed up as the Liberals would have you believe....
Where in the world do these outstanding young men come from?
Prayers being said for his family and friends at this time of loss and sorrow.
bump
Amen
The words of retired Archbishop Hanna remind me (to my sudden amazement) that thus far, American clergy has stayed out of the Iraq War. Involvement may be just around the corner though: it was just at about this stage in the Vietnam War that ministers, preachers, etc. started to get vocal and lend their voices to the anti-war movement.
In this conflict all we've heard from are the usual suspects, like Falwell and Robertson, who are always called upon to contribute their pov on any and everything political.
Prayers for the family.
Thank you for your sacrifice!
Rest in peace. May God comfort your family and friends in their grieving.
My guess, his parents instilled his values into him. Not always the case, but usually.
Thank you, Lord, for this young marine. Prayers for his family.
"Justin served with honor, courage and integrity," said the Rev. Matthew Clark of St. Joseph Abbey north of Covington. "All who knew him or served with him are continually attesting to this."
It is quite possible that Justin went to St Josephs Abbey to reflect and pray and seek guidance.
The Benedictines have very wonderful prayer services and a very beautiful Church. The young man may have received inspiration and some spiritual strength from trips here -- if he did.
But this is a special bump for those over in Iraq -- a chance to get some news from home...
Wow. Thanks, TB.
And not sure exactly why, but Old Sarge sent a Freepmail
out and then departed FR 2 weeks ago.
I don't think this statement about staying out of combat because of being the only son is true. Because we have an all volunteer armed forces, it's my understanding there are no exceptions like this.
He came home to those he loved and loved him with Honor.
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You and Be with you Always.
Thank You that You have promised a time when wars will cease ... until such time, Merciful Father, our hearts break that Justin's earthly life has ended. Remember those whose lives have been touched because he lived ... remember those who breathe free because he died. Draw many grieving hearts unto Yourself, for in You is Eternal Life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen ...
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