Posted on 12/25/2004, 8:20:49 PM by namsman
You thank someone when they give you a gift. You thank people for compliments, favors, extra efforts made on your behalf. You thank people all of your life from the time you learn that it's impolite not to.
Just what can you say that is remotely close to adequate to thank someone who is no longer here to thank and who has given you the greatest gift of sacrifice that can be given? On Nov. 15, Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine in Fallujah gave me my son's life. My son is a Marine PFC who was in the room when Sgt. Peralta, already shot by an insurgent, cradled a live grenade thrown by the enemy beneath his body to shield the other Marines who were with him. My son was one of those Marines. This champion of men made the split-second decision to sacrifice his life for his men - my son. The words don't exist to describe what's in my heart for this man. He will be with me the rest of my life. Not a day will go by without the name Peralta crossing through my mind. This immigrant son from Mexico became one of the finest Americans of his generation, indeed any generation.
Sgt. Rafael Peralta, the only thing this grateful mother can say to you is Semper Fidelis, Sgt. Peralta, Semper Fidelis.
Julie Snyder
Snohomish
(Excerpt) Read more at heraldnet.com ...
Namsman sends. Proud Parent of Marine Recruit Namsman Jr.
God bless you, your son and Sgt Peralta. All are heroes. Hope you can read this, kinda hard to see what I am typing right now.
Funny, I don't recall seeing this story repeated on the front page of the New York Times day after day. Though it should have been.
Three Hankie PING!!!!
Yep....shoulda been....
Your son, Ms. Snyder's son, all those serving are taking the heat for those of us comfortably back home. Peralta did for his commrades what those now serving are doing for us. We owe them all so much.....
A hero, no doubt. Heartfelt wonder and admiration at this Marines sacrifice. Prayers for his family and gratitude for his service.
Sgt Peralta deserve the Medal of Honor in my view. Thank God for him and men such as your son!
This is another example of a common man rising to uncommon valor - but, of course, this Sgt was not common. I wouldn't suggest the Sgt was common in any way.
God bless him and may those who live because of him and may they continue to live lives that are a tribute to his sacrifice.
Better yet, that all we American live lives that are a tribute to those who have and continue their sacrifices for this Nation.
None of them are common. Every single one of them is extraordinary. These are people who go away from their families to keep them and other families safe. These are the men and women who stand between us and the terrorists. There are no words, there is no way to express gratitude that would be sufficient.
You are right!
Didn't hear it on any nightly MSM news broadcasts either.
Guess there was just no way they could twist it to make USA the bad guys.
It wasn't, of course, but it was written about by Ollie North and that is even better. And now, it is being posted on FreeRepublic and sent via email to thousands of sympathetic patriots around the country.
Who needs the New York Times? (rhetorical question, Doc!)
America will always produce these heroes... will she always support them? Other than my friends here at the FR, sadly, I have doubts about that. Merry Christmas Peralta family, may God give you some solace in the knowledge your son saved other heroes through his sacrifice. Semper Fi
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