A Tribute To A Hero

I was surfing around and came across a site entitled Soldier Tribute. The site is set up so that a tribute can be paid to a service member. This can be for entry into the service, promotion, and to honor a fallen hero. I decided to look at the tribute paid to a young Marine named Lance Corporal Harry Swain. Harry was killed on 31 January 2005 while serving this country. His Father posted a tribute. In the tribute Mr. Swain tells how Harry wrote a letter to a local paper in October of last year. The letter was in response to something that had to do with Bruce Springsteen and his views on the war. Young Harry, who was just a few weeks older than my son, showed wisdom, maturity, and true patriotism. I read his letter and it made me swell with pride to know that this young man is the rule rather than the exception. The left would have us believe that the people serving did not sign up for this war and they are all torturers who are abusing Iraqis. Here is the letter from this Great American:

Vineland Daily Journal 12-10-2002:
As a young Millville native currently serving as an active duty United States Marine Corps infantryman out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, I can tell you for certain that the problem of Iraq is not going to go away unless we do something about it. Springsteen shouldn’t worry about “putting … American lives on the line” because when those of us in the armed forces joined the military, we were fully aware of the dangers that may one day be placed upon us. As such, many of us are willing, even eager, to put our lives on the line, not only for the defense of our country but for the defense of all people, everywhere. This is what we signed up for, and this is what we do, for to do any less would violate the very fabric of our Constitution, which we are sworn to protect. “All men are created equal” means all men and all women, not just the citizens of the United States.

Semper Fidelus PFC Harry R. Swain IV

Lance Corporal Harry Swain got it. He was a young man who could have decided to do a million other things with his life. He chose to serve his country. He chose the profession of arms and made a decision to join a brotherhood that will never forget who he was and what he meant to the Marines and our country.

I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Swain family. I want to publicly thank them for their son’s service to our country. They can truly be proud of this fine young man whose good values are a direct reflection of his upbringing. No accolades can ever bring back their son but they should know that most Americans look at their son as a true hero because he was.

Lance Corporal Harry Swain this Old Soldier salutes you as you stand guard in the Kingdom of our Lord.

Semper Fi young man.

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7 Responses to “A Tribute To A Hero”

  1. harry’s aunt on his fathers side.

  2. Harry R. Swain 3rd says:

    Thank You for your kind words from our family (Swain/Lago) in regards to our Son Harry 4th.

  3. morgan says:

    Thank you for your kind words about my brother.your words really help me.I know we all miss him!Thank you! morgan a swain

  4. carol camp says:

    harry is my grandson and i am proud of hi, as always.we love him dearly, as we do his brother jaymes swain usmc.
    oorah,granny carol camp

  5. jsbradway says:

    thank you for help the family heal!
    Harry was a wonderful young man whose bravery, and honor
    will not be forgotten. Let his selfless actions remind all of us
    what wonderful potential we have as human beings. In honor
    of such a selfless young man, may we all live more selflessly.
    Give your gifts to the betterment of this world!

  6. kat says:

    harry was a wonderful young man that will be missed, but he will live forever through the hearts and memeories of his family and friends.