June 2, 2009
Posted by Claire
‘The bullets of morality fire more true than our lead’: Lone Marine honors veterans on Memorial Day
This is what Semper Fidelis looks like. This is for our friend Hank, all of our Marines and all of our Service Members who bravely defend this Country. Thank you for providing this, otherwise often tasteless, planet with some savor. You bless me greatly.
EXCERPT
‘The bullets of morality fire more true than our lead’: Lone Marine honors veterans on Memorial Day
Story Date
6/2/2009
Cpl. Scott Schmidt
Headquarters Marine CorpsWASHINGTON —
Now and again a person may stumble across events that will impact their life with the force of a wrecking ball. For Staff Sgt. Tim Chambers, he found himself overwhelmed with indecision that was tearing his mind in every direction.
His quandary: how to reach each and every veteran’s emotions and heal their pain with respect and compassion.
Chambers’ spontaneous march into the middle of the street seven years ago to render honors to the thousands of veterans riding in Rolling Thunder was his answer. A salute was his method.
During the ride that takes place Memorial Day weekend every year, Chambers stood with his hand on his makeshift memorial at 23rd and Constitution Avenue and the lone Marine addressed the crowd.
“This is for my brothers and sisters and your fellow patriots. It stands here in honor of those in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is their memorial,” he said.
Boots, a rifle, flack jacket and Kevlar were displayed proudly at his feet. Families of fallen service members donated personal effects of their loved ones to symbolize their body and spirit.
“The bullets of morality fire more true than our lead,” continued Chambers. “I stand here to show respect and welcome these veterans home who returned at a time filled with negative sentiment for their service. We have not forgotten.”
via ‘The bullets of morality fire more true than our lead’: Lone Marine honors veterans on Memorial Day.
10 Comments
June 2, 2009
Semper Fi!
Thanks for sharing this one. A wonderful antidote to the current “stuff”…
June 2, 2009
Made me cry
made me smile
made me proud
June 2, 2009
It had the same affect on me! It took my mind off the current grief, and it made me cry for the loss, made me smile for the hope and made me proud of the faithful.
June 4, 2009
Thanks for sending this on, Claire! What an amazing man! The part where young McKenzie walks over to him just touched me. I also posted this on my Facebook account…
June 5, 2009
Well done. Thanks for visiting our site and providing a well thought out comment. Pls feel free to visit often.
June 5, 2009
Good morning
I stumbled upon your kind words, and the fact that you republished this wonderful article means alot to me. I am the Marine its about. That young girl that approached me was indeed very touching, the way the converstation actually went was like this: I told her that all those roses were laid down at my feed of the weapon out of respect for your father, with love, from people from all over the country, and whether you ever hear it or not he is a hero, he saved lives, and what he left behind will continue to save lives and preserve freedoms. It is up to you and I to honor his sacrifice by living out our dreams and reaching for the stars in everything we do from here on out. I also told her that she is a sister to me and anything she ever needs I will be there for her. It was a very touching embrace and interaction. I ask people to think about that and if they were ever confronted with a family that lost their loved on in the war how they would react. They better have something to say to console that family. It is only right. respectfully, Tim Chambers, SSgt USMC tim4america@aol.com
June 5, 2009
Absolutely Tim! Gold Star families should always be extended the honor, favor and respect that we feel for all of our fallen heroes. They are the ones who, daily, live the loss. Thank you so much for your service and for the beautiful act of duty you perform to ensure that these families get the loving the honor they deserve.
June 5, 2009
Thank YOU so much, Tim, for YOUR service. Thank you.
Semper Fi.
June 12, 2009
This is/was a wonderful and special account and to say that I’m proud that SSgt Chambers is a brother from the Corps is an understatement. Claire both you and Damon daily sacrifice much time and effort to ensure we never forget the brave men and women who serve in Harm’s Way or wear the uniform in every clime and place in service of their country. I am honored to call you friend.
With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Hank
October 12, 2009
Awesome!!!!
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