Remembering Matthew Windham

[bgsuwoody]

I wrote this as a poolee in 2007, but I always on this date remember back to what I wrote and never forget the date. I figured I would share it with you all. I know this person meant a lot to many of the members of the forum.


Today is July 19, 2009; four years after the tragic death of Poolee Matthew Windham just a week before he was to ship off to Parris Island. Though I did not know Matthew, nor ever spoke to him, I have come to learn that his presence on this site and his impact on others was overwhelming and feel it is necessary to honor his life and his contributions to others.

As one of my mentors and Matthew’s alike, SSgt. Jim Nelson once said “I believe that a Marine, Poolee or man is not dead until they are forgotten and that’s not going to happen on my watch.” In that tradition, I feel it is my duty to help remember Matthew Windhamand provide a forum for others to remember him as well.

For those who knew him, his memory is your gift and should be cherished forever. For those who never had the opportunity or the privilege to meet or speak to Matthew, we must remember the spirit of this young man and how he lived his life. His presence not only changed the lives of so many, but helped them achieve their goals to become better people and better Marines.

Nicollo Machiavelli once said, “…a prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent, so that if he does not attain to their greatness, at any rate he will get some tinge of it.” It is our responsibility as Poolees, and the hopeful future of the Marine Corps, to walk in the footsteps of those like Matthew Windham and maintain this tradition of hard-charging, life changing individuals whether it be Marine or Poolee alike. May we always live up to the Marine Corps spirit shown in Matthew and never forget the impact that one person can have on the world and that we should always attempt to make that impact no matter the cost.

My prayers go out to Matt’s family and friends on this somber day and hope that in some small way remembering his life and his spirit can soothe your pain. He will never be forgotten.

Semper Fidelis Matthew, you were a true Marine. May you continue to guard the streets of heaven, flanked by St. Michael, until each one of us are given the opportunity to join you by your side.

I dedicate this prayer (written by myself) in Matthew’s honor as I have dedicated it to the fallen before.

Blessed are you Lord, God of our Fathers. We do well to join all creation in heaven and on Earth in praising you. You made man in your own image and set him over all creation. Once, you chose a people and gave them a destiny, and when you brought them out of bondage to freedom they carried with them the promise that all men would be blessed and all men could be free

Your pledge to us of old has come to pass in every generation that has enjoyed this beautiful land. You have given us a new freedom in your spirit. It happened to our fathers who came to this land as if out of the desert with a place of promise and hope

It happens still in our time as you lead all men to the blessed vision of peace. And so with hearts full of love and gratitude we honor those who shed their blood so that we may never know the bondage of oppression nor live in the fear of tyrants.

As we honor those who have paid the ultimate price of freedom may we never forget that our debt to them is vigilance eternal.

Grant to them the everlasting peace of your kingdom and to us the sincerity of faith and dedication of purpose.

To you be all glory, honor, and praise...now and forever.

Amen.

Please use this thread to honor and remember the life, memory, and spirit, of Matthew Windham. Matthew shall not be forgotten on our watch.

More information about Matthew Windham (semperfidelis20) can be found at these links:
http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21267
http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32182
http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27764
http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25633

[davblay]

Well said Mike!

Semper Fi Matt, Rest In Peace my brother!

Dave

[rb1651]

I remember when it happened. Nice job Mike.

Rest in Peace, Matt, you are not forgotten.

[ecfree]

God bless his soul....May he rest in peace..