thedrifter
09-05-07, 02:10 PM
Friends, families and fellow Marines and sailors came together Aug. 24 to commemorate the service, commitment and friendship of the fallen brothers of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, who died while conducting combat operations in Iraq.
In the Protestant Chapel here, with a cool breeze and wall-sized, stained glass windows, fallen Marines of the battalion were remembered.
“We gather here to pay tribute and honor the sacrifice of six Marines that have gone to eternal rest,” said Lt. Col. James F. McGrath, the battalion commanding officer, addressing everyone at the memorial.
The battalion lost six Marines during its seven-month deployment while combating hostile insurgent activity throughout Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
“They were and are our brothers in arms,” McGrath said. “Those individuals shared the bond of honor, courage and commitment that forms the ethos of our Corps.”
The young men were ideal examples of how Marines should carry themselves, McGrath said.
“Fortunately for our sake, they were part of 6th Marines— 3/6 in particular,” McGrath said. “It’s for those of us remaining to look back and recognize how richly we were blessed by their presence.”
The last death in 3/6 was May 25, and after two months with no fatalities, the battalion began to notice signs of progress in the area.
“We left Iraq having more than accomplished our assigned mission,” McGrath said. “We left a path of reconstruction, of freedom, trust, confidence and respect.”
Following McGrath’s address to the chapel, Marines closest to the fallen warriors remembered their comrades and spoke on their behalf.
Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Van Parys was killed in action Feb. 5, 2007. He was remembered as a great son, brother and friend. He was described by loved ones as always willing to put others before himself.
Capt. Todd M. Siebert, killed in action Feb. 16, 2007, was described by loved ones as a true professional, loyal to his friends and deeply devoted to his wife and children.
Lance Cpl. Angel Rosa, killed in action March 13, 2007, epitomized the qualities of honor, respect, resilience and pride.
Lance Cpl. Jeffrey A. Bishop, killed in action April 20, 2007, was remembered for his warm-hearted smile and always knowing how to make a bad situation better.
Lance Cpl. Adam E. Loggins, killed in action April 26, 2007, planned to become a firefighter. He was seen as a role model to younger Marines and a tough guy who was smart enough to know how to use his strength.
Lance Cpl. David P. Lindsey, died May 25, 2007, was remembered for never complaining about anything and for being willing to listen.
“Each of these Marines, in their own way, brought colorfulness to everyone they knew and interacted with,” said Navy Lt. Michael Baker, battalion chaplain.
At the end of the memorial, family and friends gathered to pay their final respects and recognize the sacrifices of the fallen warriors.
“We left the Iraqi people with freedom from tyranny, oppression and intimidation. In its wake, we delivered opportunity,” McGrath said. “As with anything of value, it comes at a cost, sometimes a very dear cost.”
In the Protestant Chapel here, with a cool breeze and wall-sized, stained glass windows, fallen Marines of the battalion were remembered.
“We gather here to pay tribute and honor the sacrifice of six Marines that have gone to eternal rest,” said Lt. Col. James F. McGrath, the battalion commanding officer, addressing everyone at the memorial.
The battalion lost six Marines during its seven-month deployment while combating hostile insurgent activity throughout Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
“They were and are our brothers in arms,” McGrath said. “Those individuals shared the bond of honor, courage and commitment that forms the ethos of our Corps.”
The young men were ideal examples of how Marines should carry themselves, McGrath said.
“Fortunately for our sake, they were part of 6th Marines— 3/6 in particular,” McGrath said. “It’s for those of us remaining to look back and recognize how richly we were blessed by their presence.”
The last death in 3/6 was May 25, and after two months with no fatalities, the battalion began to notice signs of progress in the area.
“We left Iraq having more than accomplished our assigned mission,” McGrath said. “We left a path of reconstruction, of freedom, trust, confidence and respect.”
Following McGrath’s address to the chapel, Marines closest to the fallen warriors remembered their comrades and spoke on their behalf.
Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Van Parys was killed in action Feb. 5, 2007. He was remembered as a great son, brother and friend. He was described by loved ones as always willing to put others before himself.
Capt. Todd M. Siebert, killed in action Feb. 16, 2007, was described by loved ones as a true professional, loyal to his friends and deeply devoted to his wife and children.
Lance Cpl. Angel Rosa, killed in action March 13, 2007, epitomized the qualities of honor, respect, resilience and pride.
Lance Cpl. Jeffrey A. Bishop, killed in action April 20, 2007, was remembered for his warm-hearted smile and always knowing how to make a bad situation better.
Lance Cpl. Adam E. Loggins, killed in action April 26, 2007, planned to become a firefighter. He was seen as a role model to younger Marines and a tough guy who was smart enough to know how to use his strength.
Lance Cpl. David P. Lindsey, died May 25, 2007, was remembered for never complaining about anything and for being willing to listen.
“Each of these Marines, in their own way, brought colorfulness to everyone they knew and interacted with,” said Navy Lt. Michael Baker, battalion chaplain.
At the end of the memorial, family and friends gathered to pay their final respects and recognize the sacrifices of the fallen warriors.
“We left the Iraqi people with freedom from tyranny, oppression and intimidation. In its wake, we delivered opportunity,” McGrath said. “As with anything of value, it comes at a cost, sometimes a very dear cost.”