Thursday, December 22, 2005
A MUST READ from Fallujah
This has to be one of the most eloquent, obviously heartfelt, emotionally moving emails I've received in a long time (FYI: National Review Online has just posted it on The Corner).
It is from one of our Marines in Iraq, Major Neil F. "Murph" Murphy Jr. with Multi-National Force West in Fallujah.
So, Murph says to me:
It is from one of our Marines in Iraq, Major Neil F. "Murph" Murphy Jr. with Multi-National Force West in Fallujah.
So, Murph says to me:
"When you are deployed you’ve got to have the right mindset and find little things to be happy for and celebrate the simple things, Like hot coffee with some cocoa in it or a treat in the mail and being around friends (old and new). All kinds of people back home have sent stockings and trinkets for us to hand up around the camp and their thoughts let us know we’re appreciated.
My family is lucky enough to be mixed faith – I was raised Catholic and my wife and children are Jewish. So, even though I’m not Jewish, I will still gather with my Jewish friends here and help light a Menorah and enjoy the holiday with old and new friends. It also makes me feel closer to my own family. (Little note: Two years ago, my son lit the White House Menorah and we all hung out with The President and Mrs. Bush – It was after I returned from my first tour in Iraq – little different this year.)
One odd thing that I plan to do is gather some fellow Marines and watch “A Christmas story” on a videotape that my sister sent to me – a classic! Good for a few laughs.
I hope you have a great Christmas and don’t worry about us – we’re good to go. Like the Red Sox use to say – There’s always next year.
Semper Fi, brother!"
My family is lucky enough to be mixed faith – I was raised Catholic and my wife and children are Jewish. So, even though I’m not Jewish, I will still gather with my Jewish friends here and help light a Menorah and enjoy the holiday with old and new friends. It also makes me feel closer to my own family. (Little note: Two years ago, my son lit the White House Menorah and we all hung out with The President and Mrs. Bush – It was after I returned from my first tour in Iraq – little different this year.)
One odd thing that I plan to do is gather some fellow Marines and watch “A Christmas story” on a videotape that my sister sent to me – a classic! Good for a few laughs.
I hope you have a great Christmas and don’t worry about us – we’re good to go. Like the Red Sox use to say – There’s always next year.
Semper Fi, brother!"
God knows, I love these people.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr
# posted by W. Thomas Smith, Jr. @ 5:04 PM 
