Posted on 03/05/2007 4:09:07 PM PST by darrylsharratt
Edited on 03/05/2007 4:33:38 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
HADITHA MARINES.... our MARINES On September 11, 2001 the United States of America was attacked by a ruthless enemy. We watched in silent horror as the images of the World Trade Center were televised to a stunned nation. I can’t imagine how each and every American felt. I do know how a seventeen year old felt that day and each day thereafter. 9/11 cemented my son’s will to become a United States Marine. He told his mother and me he would join tomorrow if he were old enough. In August 2003, Justin Sharratt, our son enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Justin had no visions of grandeur or malice, his was a simple mission. To defend the United States of America from all enemies.
The car ride to the recruitment office seemed like an eternity. We reminisced about the simple things in life. The look on a child’s face as he tried on his first set of camouflage uniforms. The day he caught his first trout. His first soccer goal. The senior prom. The memories which make families....families. The hugs and kisses could not last long enough. For eighteen years we had protected and sheltered our son. It was hard to let him go, almost impossible. The streets seemed deserted. Mom, dad and sis strained for a last glimpse of Justin as we drove away. I will never forget the empty feeling I had as I started the car. Our family wondered if we had done the right thing? For Justin, it was the only thing he wanted to do.
Twelve weeks later Justin completed the first step of the mission. Our family watched as he was pinned with the eagle, globe and anchor. Our son, Justin Sharratt had become a United States Marine. The family album is filled with pictures of this day. Dad and Marine son standing on the hallowed parade grounds of MCRD, San Diego. Mom and Justin posing for a picture under the Marine flag. Jaclyn and Justin sharing a bottle of Gatorade. We were so proud. Our son, the Few..the Proud..the Marines.
Justin served two combat tours in Iraq. He served with 3-1 Kilo Company in Fallujah and Haditha. The majority of Marines in 3-1 Kilo Company were experienced combat veterans. Justin was drilled on the Rules of Engagement and familiar with the Iraqi environment. He and his fellow Marines served this country with honor and diligence. Justin is the heart and soul of the United States Marines Corps. A combat rifleman, where the boots meet the ground. Justin was all he wanted to be.
On 19 November 2005 a convoy of four Marine humvees was ambushed on a city street in Haditha. A massive IED explosion ripped the fourth humvee in the column apart. A comrade was lost, two Marines were seriously injured. 3rd platoon 3-1 Kilo Company was embroiled in a firefight for their lives. In the aftermath of Haditha, 24 Iraqis were killed. 21 December 2006 four NCOs and four officers were charged with violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The media has condemned these Marines. Politicians have leaked false information to add to the frenzy. Many have enlisted in a campaign of lies and conjecture. All of these men are innocent of these charges. They followed the Rules of Engagement, used their extensive Marine Corps training and protected the lives of fellow Marines. They are true heroes. They could when we couldn’t. They did when we didn’t. They answered the call to defend our country like their brethren before them.
My son and his fellow Marines now find themselves in another battle. The Marine Corps, that which they once held so dearly, could now be the instigator of their demise. The charges are unnerving to me. A day hardly passes in which a tear is not shed. I have trouble finding sleep. My family thinks of these Marines daily. They are part of our family. Wuterich,Tatum,DelaCruz, McConnell,Chessani,Grayson and Stone- all part of our Marine family. They are in our prayers,our every thought. Some had made the Marine Corps their chosen life. Others like my son were just beginning the journey. Please allow them into your hearts and prayers. These Marines deserve so much more. They have earned so much more.
These Marines have remained strong throughout this ordeal. Some have remained silent. A few have spoken. Others have said they understand the process. I DON’T UNDERSTAND AND I MAY NEVER UNDERSTAND! These brave men answered the call for all Americans. They have sacrificed so much to defend this great nation of ours. We are at war. A war in which the enemy wears no uniforms, fights by no Rules of Engagement and uses civilians as human shields. Why has the Marine Corps abandoned these heroes? These men did not massacre, as Time magazine reported. These men are not cold blooded killers, as a US Congressman contends. Their Iraqi accusers have been shown to be liars and terrorists. I call on you to end this travesty of injustice. Is this the Corps of Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Tarawa, Okinawa, the Solomons , Inchon, the Chosen reservoir, Hue City and Khe Sanh fame? Do not go silently in the night, resolve to join in their fight!
As the father of Haditha Marine, L/Cpl Justin Sharratt, I have been searching for the answers. Why has the media vilified these Marines? Why have the politicians branded them as expendable? Why has the Marine Corps abandoned these brave men? These Marines need your help and support. Please continue your prayers for our Marines. Reach out to the media in your cities and demand the truth be told. Write your government officials and ask them to join the fight to expose the anonymous leaks. Join me in my fight to exonerate these Marines...our Marines. They will make you proud.
Darryl Sharratt Canonsburg, Pa.
www.justinsharratt.com www.frankwuterich.com
Way to go Ben Chad!
It's Share-it
Mr. Sharratt, you're message reminds me of this song I heard from a country singer, Montgomery Gentry. It was about the Vietnam War, but it sure sounds familiar here.
DIDN'T I
Didn’t I make you proud,
Go and lay my life down
When you called my name?
I thought I stood for something,
Was doing the right thing
When I went away.
Now being back should be so simple,
But I keep getting these mixed signals
From everyone.
Why do folks sit and judge me
Who ain’t seen what I’ve seen,
Or did what I’ve done?
Chorus
Didn’t I burn,
Didn’t I bleed
Enough for you?
I faced your fears,
Felt pain
So you wouldn’t have to.
Yeah, didn’t I do my best?
And wasn’t home, here, what I loved?
I’ve seen boys fall to pieces,
Grown men cry out to Jesus,
‘Til they’re black and blue.
I thought God was on our side;
Weren’t we supposed to be the good guys
That would never lose?
‘Cause I don’t see no ticker tapes
Or 5 mile parade saying
“Thank you, son.”
Just folks that sit and judge me
Who ain’t seen what I’ve seen,
Or did what I’ve done.
Chorus
So, Mr. Sharratt, please tell Justin, "Thank you, son" from a very grateful American.
Ben,
Our family thanks you for your support. My intentions in writing this article was to ensure the fires of support would continue to burn for our Haditha Marines. The investigation into the leaks as called for by Gen Mattis seems to have thrown the msm back on their heels. The Wash Post has been silent for quite a while. I only hope this investigation does not dead end. I feel these Marines have the right to know their anonymous accusers. The American public NEEDS to know. We will keep all of you abreast of the current events as we can reveal them. Again, I posted tonight with the intention to reach out to you who care. I know we cannot do this alone, our family draws strength from your families. You represent the best in American values and we thank you.
Darryl, Theresa, Jaclyn, Justin
fatima, could I beg your indulgence for one of your most beautiful prayers for these Marines, their families, and the larger family in this extremely difficult time. They need God's grace to surround them, to protect them, and to strengthen them as they fight this new war.
Yes, Uncle, God has HIS hand in all this- somehow, somewhere.
ma.
Amen!
Mr. Sharratt,
You are all part of my family as well.
Sleep now....we will maintain the prayers while you rest your weary heads.
God bless.
Pegita,
Your prayers bring such comfort.
May I ask you for a prayer for our Marines?
Though I could never sum up the courage your son did to protect me, my family, and my country, to face down our enemies so empowered by demons....
I find strength in your words, your dedication, to family and country.
You're in the fight of your life, not always able to tell who is friend or foe by appearances, just by deeds.
Your most precious gift from God tossed about like a bag of beans, yet still, in the height of this unjustified attack against your son, you are level headed, rational, and with purpose.
I cannot imagine a son of yours would have qualities less than these, Sir.
It is an honor to have your son defending us, likewise, it is an honor to hear from the man who raised one of our nation's Heroes. Please visit more often, you are with FRiends.
Wonderful Lord, ever-gracious Holy Spirit, present and kind Lord Jesus,
grant us comfort in this hour.
Instill in us a firm, happy, and grateful faith.
Instill in us a strong heart, and a spirit that overcomes this present trial.
Give us a strong mind to understand your truth.
Give us a strong spirit that receives your love.
Help us to fully understand that you have indeed overcome the world.
Give us this hour the strength and wisdom to see that you have already won the battle.
Give us a strong vision to see that you have already secured for us a place with you for all eternity.
In all things and in all ways let me see your love prevail.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of United States Marine.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job--
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
Unto You, O Lord, we lift our tear-stained hearts at the tragedy that has befallen our valiant defenders ... we cry out for justice for this father's son and his comrades, and though we seek redress quickly, may we place our fullest confidence in Your Word ... "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Romans 12:19. And so we rest.
And yet, Heavenly Father, may Your justice be swift as well as sure, for we are outraged that the nobility of service and sacrifice would become twisted beyond recognition. Let not these young warriors and their families become discouraged or disheartened, for great is the evil in this world, yet even in the midst of darkness, You continue to raise up beautiful men and women who shine with the light of freedom for all mankind ...
First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.
And may it ever be thus, O Lord, until there is Eternal Peace. Amen ...
Yes they have and yes we are! It is about time America woke up to the facts!
Thank you for sharing your son, your time and your story with us. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
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