I remember today Chief Boatswain Mate Richard E. Martin, my friend, coworker and shipmate. He passed away one stormy March night in 1996 of a heart attack. He was just 36 years old.
He left behind a wife and three children. His passing turned their world upside down.
We lived next to Rich’s family at the Coast Guard base on Sandy Hook, NJ. Our kids were just about the same age and played together, went to school and church youth groups together and were very close. Over the years, they still stay in touch.
Today, his daughter posted a picture of her son visiting his grandfather’s grave, the grandfather he never knew.
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Please remember not just those that gave their lives in the line of duty, but also their families that were left behind. Their pain will never end.
![images[4]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUcT0OFYWoRFEgaUQ8MEuR34TQJjegSyH59CGMmExLEU-nDZ4ng-ty5XWvZ1Zv9FTdaG9Kd1GhkBiyDtON0IwV0VhzA_zuOQleGfVT-AXorLdnfbYSAEcZ-McVJEWplrDuvr_N5yeLWfE/s1600-h/images%25255B4%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg "images[4]")
An excellent reminder Paul of the sacrifice of the families. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteWell said Paul and thank you for your service, too.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Remembering is what keeps those who are no longer here alive.
ReplyDeleteVery well said!!..thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the simple post. Thank you for your service too!
ReplyDeleteThank You, that is a very moving story of a dear friend/comrade. Thoughts for remembering our own at this time.
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful post.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! Many times it's the families that suffer most.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a very personal reminder of what Memorial Day really means.
ReplyDeleteOur military families sacrifice as much or more as the service members. Thanks for the reminder...
ReplyDeleteVery touching...especially the grandson at graveside.
ReplyDeleteSyl
We spent Memorial Day at a Military Rec Site (Lake Texoma)For a different take, it was good to remember but also see all the military members and family enjoying what so many gave so much for.
ReplyDeleteSo true; the pain continues for the families regardless of the passage of time. Dulled it may become, but the remembrance is always there.
ReplyDeleteVery moving post. And thanks to you and your family, as well, for your service.
ReplyDelete