Michelle Malkin posts about the memorial for the SEALS who recently fell in battle. Please don't forget that this SEAL team has only one survivor, and that a whole helicopter of our military also perished in the rescue attempt.
Nevertheless, men and women of courage and honor volunteer every day to serve this country, and a few select others dedicate themselves to serve as the elite, the best of the best, in our defense.
The men and women of our Special Services go through incredible trials and tests to prove their worthiness to serve as the finest warriors on this planet. They are models of character and courage, and they are all volunteers.
My prayers go out to the families of those who gave the last, full measure of devotion to their country. I pray that America never forgets or dishonors their sacrifice, and that the Lord Almighty Himself honors them at His throne in Heaven.
For the SEAL left behind, I pray swift healing and the warmth and love of his family and friends. I pray that his service will always be respected, and I pray comfort for the loss of his comrades and friends.
These are men with whom I would be honored and blessed to shake hands. Their service and sacrifice blesses America. As always, I remind you that we owe our Armed Forces an enormous debt - it can never be fully repaid, but there are ways we can try.
I will close with the lyrics to "the Ballad of the Green Beret." I know it's not the same Service, but the point behind the song holds true...
Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler and Robin Moore, copyright 1966
Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret
Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men will test today
But only three win the Green Beret
Trained to live off nature's land
Trained in combat, hand-to-hand
Men who fight by night and day
Courage peak from the Green Berets
Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men will test today
But only three win the Green Beret
Back at home a young wife waits
Her Green Beret has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
Leaving her his last request
Put silver wings on my son's chest
Make him one of America's best
He'll be a man they'll test one day
Have him win the Green Beret.
God bless America - by continuing to give her such heroes!
