Fellowship and Reflection - Operation Iraqi Freedom - 20 Years Later
Twenty years ago tonight (March 19, 2003), Marines and Sailors of the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, the Highlanders, secured the Kuwaiti and Iraqi Border to allow the 1st Marine Division to conduct its attack to seize initial objectives in Iraq, thus beginning the 'March to Baghdad.' This Friday and Saturday, 100+ Marines and Sailors gathered at the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion to commemorate the start of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and their role in it.?Historians and pundits can sort out the correctness of the Iraq War and its place in the US and the world's arc of history. Today, I give thanks to men such as these and their families who did what their Nation asked over many years of conflict.?
Fellowship and reflection were front, and center at the commemoration as those gathered honored all those lost during the many years of OIF and OEF deployments. Col Duffy White retired and then commander of the battalion delivered an impactful speech on the 1st LAR history from its inception through OEF/OIF, his reflections on the nature of that first fight, and the Highlander warrior ethos.?Many in attendance had not seen each other since that deployment.?Most are civilians now, living full and happy lives, and being with each other helped bring closure to a few, and kindled a renewed sense of brotherhood for all.?
???Around two thousand and six hundred years ago, Plato said, "Only the dead have seen the end of war," and nobody has proven him wrong since.?We are never fully at peace, but if you go about your life consumed with family, work, and hobbies, and rarely give consideration to the safety of America, then thank a veteran and those currently serving for doing their duty to the Nation and its citizens. The US military doesn't pick which wars it fights, but it fights them as the Nation needs. For those that fight, they carry wars many emotions and memories, good and bad, with them proudly.?If you are a combat veteran or the family of someone lost in war, I thank you for your service and sacrifice.?To the Marines and Sailors, I led, I remain eternally grateful and awed by your example, and I still love you and am immensely proud of you.?
"With truth in our hearts, Strength in our hands, and Consistency in our tongues," let us all go forth and do good things for our fellow humans and in honor of those who never made it home. Let us celebrate our lost as fallen warriors, who voluntarily and valiantly fought doing what they love, being a Marine. My sincere thanks to the 1st LAR Bn Association, 1st LAR Battalion, Semper Fi Fund, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for supporting this important event,?
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Gil Juarez - Commander, Company C, 1st LAR 2002-2005
Regional Supply Chain Manager at U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
1 年Wish I could have made it. Looks like a great turn out. WARPIGS
HQ Site Security Manager at Nestlé Purina North America
1 年1st LAR bn association did a great job organizing this event. Kudos to all involved and continuing the legacy with those still serving. Servant leadership never stops!!
Partner at Reston Law Group
1 年Very well said my friend
Senior Instructor | Intelligence Analyst
1 年It was both an honor and privilege to serve along side you and those other warriors. Oohrah Warpig!