A HERO'S BURIAL (Marine killed in Fallujah had courage, charm and a maturity beyond his years)

The Times-Picayune ^ | 11-20-04 | Paul Rioux

[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."

[cpforlife.org]

An overflow crowd of more than 500 people attended the funeral Friday of Marine Lance Cpl. Justin Daniel McLeese at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Covington. McLeese was killed Nov. 13 in an explosion during combat with insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq.

‘Justin did not die in vain,’ said retired Archbishop Philip Hannan, who made several parachute jumps in France during World War II. ‘He died in a war that we must win and will win in order to save civilization as we know it.’

Covington High School football players line up to pay their respects at Justin McLeese’s funeral Friday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. McLeese played football for Covington High.

[cpforlife.org]

I am a parishioner at St. Peter's where the McLeese family attends. I did not know this outstanding young hero, but have been moved by his story.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Lance Cpl. Justin Daniel McLeese and for his grieving family.

[cpforlife.org]

Special Prayer PING.

[TBarnett34]

Rest in peace, Marine.

Sarge and Meek - Ping FYI.

[Eagles6]

My prayers for him and his family.

[cpforlife.org]

Special Prayer PING

Please Forward

[matchwood]

Why does it require the death of a brave young American in order to recognize his greatness? Our country is so blessed with such wonderful people and I feel like a traitor sitting here safely at home?

[cpforlife.org]

FREEDOM
IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE
SECURED IN ANY ONE
MOMENT OF TIME.
WE MUST STRUGGLE
TO PRESERVE IT EVERY DAY.
AND FREEDOM IS NEVER
MORE THAN ONE
GENERATION AWAY FROM
EXTINCTION.


RONALD REAGAN

JANUARY 15, 1983

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

Requiescat in pace

[TexasTaysor]

Rest in peace Marine, and thank you for your service and sacrifice. Prayers for your family and friends

[alpha-8-25-02]

PRAYERS FOR COMFORT FOR ALL THIS MARINE LOVED ONES!
SEMPER FIDELIS!
GODSPEED BROTHER!

[exit82]

Thanks,matchwood. I feel the same.

I've lived half a century, a blessed life.

If the Marines would take a guy like me, instead of these young heroes,who have their whole life to live ahead of them, I'd serve in their place.

Seems like we are on the sidelines.

[Horatio Gates]

I think your first sentence and first half of the second pretty much eliminates your need to feel like a traitor. Recognizing the sacrifices for freedom and liberty, honoring those who died for our country are patriotic.

Rest in peace, Marine. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for your brave service.

[arichtaxpayer]

Our country is so blessed to have all these great soldiers. It breaks my heart that their lives are cut short.

[livius]

Prayers for him.

I know how you feel. I wish we older patriots could somehow take the hit for these great young people who are serving.

[lancer]

He was not a soldier; he was a Marine.

God rest his soul.

[oldenuff2no]

Job well done.

[cpforlife.org]

Correct. That is why I said so in the title (in parentheses) the author of the article wrote soldier.

[Arizona Carolyn]

Almost without exception the stories of these young people has proven how many truly wonderful people are in our military -- by choice -- and dying for the love of their country.

[fatima]

cpforlife.org,Bump.