thedrifter
10-15-08, 10:34 AM
Editorial: The joy and pain of Marines
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October 14, 2008 - 4:26PM
Havelock News
Havelock is tied to Cherry Point. When the base experiences happiness, the civilian community around it does also.
At the same time, when Cherry Point experiences a loss, those out in town feel it as well.
Those two emotions - so different - weren't so far apart last week at Cherry Point.
First came joy as hundreds of Marines returned home after a seven-month deployment in Iraq.
Wives and children rushed out to greet their returning Marines, who despite their tough-guy personna, get caught up in the wave of emotion as well.
There were plenty of smiles from Marines and family alike, each one seemingly bigger than the first.
Seven months is a long time to be away from home, a long time to be away from household duties.
We salute not only those on the frontlines, but also those who are left behind to take care of the house, to make sure the kids get off to school, to make sure the bills get paid. Your contributions are invaluable.
One day after the homecoming, the base experienced a far different emotion. Cherry Point dedicated its fuel house building for Lance Cpl. Daniel McVicker.
He had a different type of homecoming. He returned from Iraq in a flag-drapped coffin after dying from injuries he suffered in a roadside bomb attack in 2005.
It was clear that three years had done nothing to reduce the sorrow of family members.
Sure, they have moved on. They smiled during a 40-minute dedication ceremony when fellow Marines told stories about McVicker, a fuel specialist based at Cherry Point.
He was an optimist, we were told, and a dedicated Marine who never passed up an opportunity to help another.
But, that loss is never far from the surface of family members.
Whether a proponent or opponent of the war in Iraq, all should realize the sacrifice so many have paid. All should honor those who have died in this fight and pray that the families left behind find some comfort while dealing with unimaginable loss.
We can't thank enough all the Marines for their service to their country.
We can't thank enough all their families for enduring such hardships.
We salute all of you.
Ellie
Comments | Recommend
October 14, 2008 - 4:26PM
Havelock News
Havelock is tied to Cherry Point. When the base experiences happiness, the civilian community around it does also.
At the same time, when Cherry Point experiences a loss, those out in town feel it as well.
Those two emotions - so different - weren't so far apart last week at Cherry Point.
First came joy as hundreds of Marines returned home after a seven-month deployment in Iraq.
Wives and children rushed out to greet their returning Marines, who despite their tough-guy personna, get caught up in the wave of emotion as well.
There were plenty of smiles from Marines and family alike, each one seemingly bigger than the first.
Seven months is a long time to be away from home, a long time to be away from household duties.
We salute not only those on the frontlines, but also those who are left behind to take care of the house, to make sure the kids get off to school, to make sure the bills get paid. Your contributions are invaluable.
One day after the homecoming, the base experienced a far different emotion. Cherry Point dedicated its fuel house building for Lance Cpl. Daniel McVicker.
He had a different type of homecoming. He returned from Iraq in a flag-drapped coffin after dying from injuries he suffered in a roadside bomb attack in 2005.
It was clear that three years had done nothing to reduce the sorrow of family members.
Sure, they have moved on. They smiled during a 40-minute dedication ceremony when fellow Marines told stories about McVicker, a fuel specialist based at Cherry Point.
He was an optimist, we were told, and a dedicated Marine who never passed up an opportunity to help another.
But, that loss is never far from the surface of family members.
Whether a proponent or opponent of the war in Iraq, all should realize the sacrifice so many have paid. All should honor those who have died in this fight and pray that the families left behind find some comfort while dealing with unimaginable loss.
We can't thank enough all the Marines for their service to their country.
We can't thank enough all their families for enduring such hardships.
We salute all of you.
Ellie