April 09, 2004

Tender moment ... US Marines pray over fallen buddy

Prayers for dead buddy

GRIEF-stricken US Marines huddle together in prayer over the body of a dead pal yesterday.

For a few precious moments of mourning the tough troopers turned from the fury of battle at Fallujah to bid him farewell.

The Marines had fought hard to keep their buddy alive. They had bound his head wound after he was hit by shrapnel, then defied enemy fire to carry him to a first-aid post. But nothing could save him.

The casualty was among more than 40 Americans killed so far this week. At least 480 Iraqi rebels died in the same period.

The bodies of some Americans have yet to be recovered. An official said: “We dare not reach them because of the fighting.”

The photo says it all: these are the kind of fine young men (and women) who fight for us and our freedom and security. Thank you, Lord.
May God rest those who fell this week and comfort their bereaved family and loved ones.
I mourn with all my heart every life lost in Operation Iraqi Freedom--would God that we didn't have to lose anyone-- but at times like this, these great good men and women in uniform realize that there are some things worth fighting and even, if it comes to that, dying for.
God bless them even more for their sacrifice.
"Greater love hath no man than this, than that he would lay down his life for his friend."
I just want our Marines and soldiers to know that your friends and fellow Americans, like myself, here on the homefront are praying for your safe and victorious return home someday soon.
May God keep you from harm and go before you into battle.