We, the 75th Ranger Regiment Association pay tribute to one of our
brothers that was killed in action, in defense of the liberty we enjoy in this
Nation. Many of us reading this were of the same mind as Antonio, ready to give
it all, in defense of what we believe to be right; "all men are created equal"
and should have the right to choose how they will live. This is not an idea of
man but of the Creator of all things. God in His infinite wisdom gave man a free
will, a will where he has the liberty to choose However, dictators around the
world usurp this intended freedom by imposing their own will, on the least able
to defend themselves.
It is people like Antonio and the many that now rest
with God, as well, as the many that carry on in that same belief. That belief
being " All should have a right to choose". To protect this belief, some must
give all, others must give some. All that enjoy freedom, must continue to honor
those that fought for it, especially, those that paid the ultimate price. We must
all make sure they are not forgotten, nor was their life given in vain.
Antonio
was one young American that answered the call of his country, rather than run
from it. He understood many had gone on before him to squelch communist dictatorship,
and now it raised its ugly head in Vietnam, and the people were deprived of living
their life as they willed. Antonio was already serving in Korea, but felt he must
stand with the other American soldiers already fighting in Vietnam. He did request
and got his transfer from Korea to Vietnam. He not only went to Vietnam, but did
upon arrival volunteered to serve with one of the most "Elite Units" in Vietnam,"
The Revered Long Range Patrol Rangers of the 75th Ranger regiment, of the 4th
Infantry Division". Due to the danger of the missions this unit performed, the
only way into the unit was to volunteer. These guys did long range patrolling
deep in enemy held territory, in teams that consisted mostly of 4 men. They were
very efficient and brought much so havoc on the enemy. The fear of these men caused
the North Vietnamese Army to form tracker teams to hunt down the ranger teams,
while the government offered rewards of $1000-$2500 for a long range patrol ranger,
dead or alive. Feared by the enemy, but envied and respected by our armed forces.
Antoinio's determination, dedication, tenaciousness, loyalty, commitment, boldness,
and courage reflects highly upon him, the 75th rangers, and the United States
Army. Although he be not present in the physical, he can and will live on as long
as we remember him. Surely on this day his loved ones recall him and are sadden.
Especially with what we see going on in the world today, they must ask, what was
it all for? If anyone has contact with any of his family, please let them know
it was not for naught. But that his contribution has kept freedom alive in our
Nation and the hope alive for many oppressed peoples around the world.
Let
each of us take a moment of to give a deserved 21 gun salute to Antonio, along
with the sound of taps resounding in our memory, as a reminder, that as long as
we have men and women like him, freedom will remain our most precious Commodity.
Day is done, Gone the sun, From the Lakes, From the hills, From the sky.
All
is well, safely rest. God is nigh.
Fading light Dims the sight. And a star
Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright From afar, Drawing nigh, Falls the night.
Thanks and praise, For our days, Neath the sun, Neath the stars, Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know, God is nigh.
Bob Smyers |
