Dear Editor,
As a
”
former
”
combat Marine that served in Vietnam (1965-66), I would like to
convey to the family of Marine Jeramy Ailes, how very proud I am of
his sacrifice for this country and the courage it took for him to
leave his loved ones and serve in Iraq.
Dear Editor,
As a “former” combat Marine that served in Vietnam (1965-66), I would like to convey to the family of Marine Jeramy Ailes, how very proud I am of his sacrifice for this country and the courage it took for him to leave his loved ones and serve in Iraq.
I too, lost many Marines on the battlefields in Vietnam and know the heartache that his family and friends are now feeling, but it may help to ease the pain in knowing that Jeramy died in the company of those Marines who were his “brothers” and in doing what he believed …
The spirit of the Old Corps and the essence of American manhood, as described by Teddy Roosevelt, courses through the vitals of these young warriors destined to pay the bittersweet price that comes with – and is demanded by – freedom. They are best honored by TR’s own words, penned nearly a century ago but never more true than today: “There is little use for the being whose tepid soul knows nothing of the great and generous emotion, of the high pride, the stern belief, the lofty enthusiasm, of the men who quell the storm and ride the thunder .”
Semper Fi.
Nick Wiltse, U.S.M.C. 1964-1968, Correctional Officer/Pelican Bay State Prison, Gasquet, CA
