To the family that has had to bear the loss of Mike, we offer our heart-felt
thanks for your standing so strong. Many that enjoy real freedom have been affected
by the great contribution he gave towards our freedom. He is still dearly loved
and missed, even to this day.
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 Mike,
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 Mike and the many who now
rest with him, 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, all 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.
Though
Mike 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 Mike, 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 prevail.
Lord, those who knew Mike are so thankful
you allowed them to be graced by his being among them. We his brothers of like
spirit, a spirit that says all people, of all nations, should enjoy the right
to live free and to choose for themselves, do also thank you. He stands out to
us and the world as a symbol of the price of freedom. Your Word says; "no greater
love hath a man than this, to give his life for a friend", Mike did just that!
He forsook self-preservation for others to live. He acted out of love, a love
that required no contemplation but rather action. Surely it never crossed his
mind at the moment that he would come to be known as a "HERO". We thank you for
men and women like our brother that thought it not too much, to give their life
for others to live. Lord, this day give comfort to those loved ones that have
been all these years without him. Help them to know he is at rest with you and
"Warriors" of like kind. May we never forget the blood of others bought our freedoms.
Lord, regardless of our belief, help us as we remember him and the many like him
to consider the following words of wisdom; to love the Lord our God with all our
hearts, soul, mind, and strength, and secondly to love our neighbor as our self.
Truly acceptance and application of this wisdom, by all people of the world, is
to see war and all other atrocities against humanity end! May our hearts be charged
to honor the sacrifices of such men and women with a continuous and sincere effort
to promote peace on earth and good will towards all.
Bob Smyers |
