Tonk's Last Ride (A Memorial Thread to coincide with his real life memorial today)

Friends of Brian

[StarCMC]

Tonk's Last Ride

We are gathered here today, on this thread, to honor our
good friend, a true patriot who with his every breath
honored our country and the men and women who
serve her.  His name in real life was Brian Marotta,
but he was known here on FR as

"68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub"

--or Tonk for short.

His story - in his own words - can be found on
his FReeper Profile Page.

POW/MIA Never Forget	US Navy GMG3 '66-'69		Tonkin Gulf '68-'69	Coast Guard Auxiliary Oct 2001-

 

 

    

Please post your pictures of honor to our friend.  This is our way of virtually attending his memorial, which is being held today in Oregon.  We wish we could be there, with his family, to celebrate his life with them, but this is the best we can do.

 

 

 

 

Goodbye, Tonk.  We love you. You will never be forgotten.

[LowOiL]

I still love that photo

[Doogle]

Thanks KIA......

Doogle

[Kathy in Alaska]

You are welcome.

[jazusamo]

Thank you, Kathy.

Though Tonk’s posts are missed I know he’s lurking.

RIP, Mr. Tonkin.

[blackie]

Super pix, Kathy!

Thanks {{HUGS}}

[rottndog]

Me three...

Thanks!

[Old Student]

“Brian left his impression wherever he went and loved our country with an intensity that is rare to find.”

America is not perfect, but it’s the best country I’ve ever seen, and any country that can boast patriots like him is on its way to perfection. He is a good man, and I suspect now an Angel. I know he will still be watching out for his people.

[Albion Wilde]

Now I’m the Coast Guard Auxiliarist on the board.

Awesome!

[Albion Wilde]

Kathy, thank you for this touching view of the ceremony. God bless you, and his family and friends.

[freema]

I VOW
to the 58,000 + Brothers and Sisters
on
The Viet Nam Wall
who never came home
and to those who died at home
from injuries and from broken hearts.
I will do everything I LEGALLY can to expose Hanoi Kerry once and for all.
I will not tire,
I will not falter,
and I will not fail.
I solemnly vow to do all I can
to restore your honor
until
I give
my last breath on earth.

[Kathy in Alaska]

I solemnly vow to do all I can
to restore your honor
until I give my last breath on earth.

And he did.

[ContraryMary]

We’ll miss you, Tonk! Farewell and godspeed.

[Shazolene]

What a beautiful tribute, thank you for sharing it with all of us. I did not know him except as “Tonk” here on FR. But his steely determination made quite an impression on me. During the election, I knew that whenever there was a thread about Kerry, Tonk would be there to ensure that the truth was not forgotten.

Tonk was true to his brothers. You all have done him great honor. All that I can offer are these few lines, and my tears. And a promise that I too will not forget.

God Bless You Tonk.

[amom]

America is not perfect, but it’s the best country I’ve ever seen, and any country that can boast patriots like him is on its way to perfection.

I absolutely agree, and it can't be any too soon. :-)

[amom]

And a promise that I too will not forget.

That promise ensures Tonk's time was well spent.

[amom]

That he did my friend, that he did.

(((HUGS)))

[Yellow Rose of Texas]

Such a sad day, but what beautiful surroundings, and what a gathering of friends to see Brian off on his sail boat to the stars.

Rose

[Kathy in Alaska]

You are right, Rose....beautiful surroundings and a gathering of friends. I think Brian would have approved.

[Nebr FAL owner]

I’ve been working 16-18 hour days lately when did Tonk pass away? 8*(

[StarCMC]

I believe the official date was June 11, but his memorial service was on July 2. Sad news to all of us. :-(