Karl, I wish it didn't have to come to this. Before you left, we both agreed that we would have to see this through to the bitter end, no matter what, or why it started. You didn't question it, nor did I. Pal, it's been exactly one year to the day that you left for Iraq, to do your part. I am so sorry that you came back to us in only a couple of months, in a box that we were advised not to open. So everlastingly sorry. I still believe, but there are many who do not. Please forgive them Karl. We are caught in a web of our own deceit, and that is a dangerous place to be, as you might well imagine. Farewell. We will deal with this as we can. We honor you, and will never forget you.
- Dad
Proud father of
LCpl. Karl R. Linn -0517, USMC
KIA 1/26/2005 Haqlaniyah, Iraq
What we’re hearing now is some politicians contradicting their own statements and making a play for political advantage in the middle of a war. The saddest part is that our people in uniform have been subjected to these cynical and pernicious falsehoods day in and day out. American soldiers and Marines are out there every day in dangerous conditions and desert temperatures – conducting raids, training Iraqi forces, countering attacks, seizing weapons, and capturing killers – and back home a few opportunists are suggesting they were sent into battle for a lie.
The President and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone – but we’re not going to sit by and let them rewrite history.
We’re going to continue throwing their own words back at them. And far more important, we’re going to continue sending a consistent message to the men and women who are fighting the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other fronts.
We can never say enough how much we appreciate them, and how proud they make us. They and their families can be certain: That this cause is right … and the performance of our military has been brave and honorable … and this nation will stand behind our fighting forces with pride and without wavering until the day of victory.
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Prayer of St. Michael-Patron Saint of Warriors, and All Angels
Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals:
Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ out Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever. Amen.
USMCPOP,
I'm over here, about to lose it. I was only four when we cut and ran from Nam. I will do what I can to honor your son's memory, and make sure that we do not do the same thing here in my lifetime. I SWEAR IT.
This was your son? I'm heartbroken to read about your loss. It angers me that we lose such fine men. And to lose them fighting against those that aren't worthy of human value angers me even more.
These are the barbarians at the gate. That we must lose even one fine man for a thousand of them still seems like such a cost. And yet it is.
There will be no words that will make your loss make sense. Only time. The widow that lost a husband at Normandy suffered a loss that no politic could fathom or explain.
But the people gained there, too. A grateful nation gained there. And those that do not have to stand a post, and do not have to stand on that wall, owe that debt of gratitude to those that did, those that submitted themselves to destiny.
But the Nation remembers. I remember. I do not forget the sacrifice.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your precious son. You and your son are true patriots.
God Bless you always.
Dear USMCPOP,
I am saddened by and feel so sorry for your loss. I've lost both parents and it was difficult, but I can't possibly know the pain you must feel. Along with the pain, you also feel a tremendous amount of pride in your wonderful son (and rightly so). As a daughter of a veteran of WWII, Korea and Viet Nam, I have tremendous respect for and pride in our military and all of the courageous men and women who put their lives on the line every day so that we and many others around the world can live in freedom. I thank your son for his service; and, both of you for the supreme sacrifice he made. We will never forget.
May God Bless you and yours.
You are an outstanding father, and we will do our best to honor your son's excellent memory.
God bless you and your family.
IT IS THE SOLDIER......not the reporter Who has has given us the freedom of press
IT IS THE SOLDIER..... not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech
IT IS THE SOLDIER.....not the campus organizer
Who has given us the right to demonstrate
IT IS THE SOLDIER .....not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a free trial
IT IS THE SOLDIER.....who salutes the flag
Who serves under the flag and
Whose coffin is draped by the flag Who allows the protester to burn the flag.
Well done, Marine LCpl. Karl Linn..we salute you...and your family. RIP
sw