Thank you

[artemis2003]

I would just like to take the time to thank all of you British forces that are fighting along side us. You are all in our prayers and it is our sincere hope that return home safe and sound to the British Isles as soon as possible!


God Bless!
-Artemis

[Rob Parry]

Thanks Artemis, 8 Royals died today alongside four US aircrew and later one US Marine.
The following may lessen the pain.

The CO of 40 Commando spoke to his men before battle, he told them "The eyes of the World will be on YOU tomorrow, you will be the first troops across the border."
This simple statement must have instilled as much pride in them as it did in me. We may be justifiably proud of those who followed us, they are maintaining the traditions of our Corp, and doing so magnificently.

[criggleman]

I would like to echo what Artemis said, and add that we could't ask for a better ally that the Brits. God Bless those who died, and our sympathy to their families.



SAEPE EXPERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATRES AETERNI
"Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever"

[MillRatUSMC]

We wish to offer our sympathy to the families of our brothers Royal Marines.

As Henry V said;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother.
As Royal Marine and United States Marines shed their blood in a war against terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.
The last time that occured was in Korea of the 50's.
Your grief is our grief.
We pray for all their souls.
May they Rest In Peace.

Semper Fidelis
Ricardo

[wrbones]

This one is a place where Rob Parry hangs out over there. SOme US Marines have already posted their condolences.





http://www.militaryforums.co.uk/forums/viewforum.php?f=22

[Rob Parry]

You'll find my handle on Military Forums and Once a Marine - Always a Marine is now 'El Prez' I've gone all dictatorial!! It was either that or have one forced on me by the proletariat.

[Sticky blue]

Thought I'd pop in and say hello as Military Forums are quiet at the moment. We are there for you, as you are there for us. Our losses are each others losses, one Marine lost is one too many but his sacrifice is accepted as the supreme sacrifice... let us hope that few of them have to make this sacrifice.
You'll also find me on Military Forums along with El Prez (AKA Rob Parry).

El Prez... I've cleaned your boots and left them by your webbing and I'm just starting to press your kit for you.

[Rob Parry]

Your obsequiousness does you credit, your mother will be freed later!

[Rob Parry]

This poem was written by Derek Blevins, and posted on Military Forums.
I'm just beginning to realise what my parents, especially my mum, went through during my time in the Corps, and in Oman. I reach for the radio first thing in the morning, dreading what the headlines will be, and every day so far it has been sad news. It really is harder waiting, and wondering. There have been some excellent poems posted, and I offer my own:

The Knock at the Door

The radio's on, the TV as well
It's having to know, the news that they tell.
It's a fear that she bears like a constant bad dream,
She's a mum, with a son, who's a Royal Marine

She's proud, oh so proud of the things he has done.
From a child, to a youth, to a Corps, matched by none.
She has cried as his skills have been held in esteem,
From King's Squad, Green Beret, a trained Royal Marine.

She tries to keep busy, her mind on a chore,
But her nerves are all tensed for the 'Knock on the Door'.
Her hand trembles slightly, as she knows it might mean,
There's a padre stood there, with a sad Royal Marine.

She writes endless letters of trivial events.
Sends parcels of goodies, and sweaters like tents.
But she knows it may end with that 'Knock on the Door',
He has travelled the world, and she well knows the score.

But now he's at war, and the risks are extreme,
Yet he chose this profession, that of Marine.
She gave her support, now she waits like the rest,
Kept firm by the fact that he serves with the best.

Now, a glance at his photo, from days that have been,
His face smiling down, his eyes all a gleam.
The look that they have, these Bootnecks, these few,
And their loved ones just pray that their time is not due.

However, his mother has been here before,
Her father, a 'Royal', in the Second World War.
She ran with her mother to answer the door,
But the words, "We Regret", haunts their lives ever more.

Bravest of brave, are the ones who wait home.
They carry the burden, sometimes alone.
No honours for them, just the tears that they've cried,
But their son is a 'Royal', and their 'medal' is pride.

She straightens her dress, and pats at her hair,
For the sound of a vehicle has trembled the air.
There are steps to her door, then comes the first knock,
Through stained glass, she sees two, and her mind starts to rock.

The walk to the door, as she holds back the tears,
Takes a lifetime of memories, of dread and of fears.
She opens the door, misty eyed, cannot see

"Hi Mum"
"This is Bob"
"Just got back"
"What's for tea?"

Dedicated to all those who wait and hope. Derek Blevins. March 2003

[lurchenstein]

My deepest condolences in the loss of brother Royal Marines (with our own). My thanks for serving with the U.S. inspite of the cost.:marine: