Memorial Day isn’t just about burgers and hotdogs and picnics. It’s also about remembering those that have given their lives for our freedom
I’d like to remember one of the Coast Guard’s fallen. A young man who gave his life in the waters off of the Iraqi coast, killed along with two Navy sailors by a boat borne bomb on April 24, 2004.
Damage Controlman Third Class Nathan Brukenthal. He was a member of a joint Navy-Coast Guard team protecting Iraqi waters from attacks.
![bruckenthal[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsaLLN2SCDgLfuQysex2QVBGYftnf1QvvYZOIj_LDRDNaaDYD_lvu9-wDUtqTTqhxPZjBTvwM0dJ3I0PUuglyY7TnjWSahKjcD20YGObJKNssSxOuCHjn9I6EYWrRcoBbS8mIjyN-CuYx/s1600-h/bruckenthal%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg "bruckenthal[1]")
Nathan was not only a friend to many, but also a husband and a father.
![bruckenthal2[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hvnr3UimWaDSATISG469lPfd3QJgGcYGUxE9I-GHnDMntjoq63LbimzMSm7p1pgZ8hu20QcKcSDjFaLPP4tICn3NKy_CUKVZr5UC9aUObvDK5rrjI05RUhgULMuhW5wi7BOP1pb4atbW/s1600-h/bruckenthal2%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg "bruckenthal2[1]")
He was just twenty three when he died. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors and Admiral Thomas Collins, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, presented the flag that draped his casket to his wife, Patti.
![nbbruckenthal-funeral-services-photo-02[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMH2tJ6lhci1r8u4xhR-5pU0A7fH3ycA6GshCamY_TfdrItkXbssyC3wSvL8IBcBYNFhQpptP22DHqExbuIuZNHlJQhKUpkivtfAqyvSZ-5xkCBareBMAcnLvKJ7-EyvCrolV9_WaiDAV/s1600-h/nbbruckenthal-funeral-services-photo-02%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg "nbbruckenthal-funeral-services-photo-02[1]")
The Coast Guard remembers. In memory of Nathan, a new Coast Guard Cutter will be named for him.
![7295271740_14cf381652_z[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhrbipr5SAMl3vAO75NWmPmNWaskQJimfxKTm35qrUgOmBhxnPePo_V2mV7Ckm_U0Z_NcQ3TxrgoU8BDk_rLS0D2tAjifmCu9MLIB3qVEsW4u7cSnN1FHRiDdxRVX4s-PlZmwcPrxI-y9/s1600-h/7295271740_14cf381652_z%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg "7295271740_14cf381652_z[1]")
We won’t forget the sacrifices of all our brave servicemen and women. Take a few moments on this Memorial Day to remember them.
![images[6]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XT4WTlsFgrewRRq0YpdlFlKruPFFYniYCIdH6CHyfze5AmQtkur27bxMgMd1v5jB2RwvkYxwRetMqyie6YXW3xsUp7gvKYuqB4OqwJEXemUHYzk4T-Bj-NdBFjhnZTzDvQQuZ4huhrR6/s1600-h/images%25255B6%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg "images[6]")
We are the land of the free, because of the brave.
ReplyDeleteRemembering Nathan and all those who gave all.
It is so sad the sacrifices many of them had made. One life lost is just one too many.
ReplyDeletePaul we signed a blank check, tomorrow we honor those checks that were cashed to keep us all free. We'll not forget.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to Nathan and the countless others who made the supreme sacrifice. Let us all remember today...
ReplyDeleteSo many have died for our freedom, a time to remember.
ReplyDeleteLest we forget ... a time of remembrance ... I think those who've been connected to one branch or another of the armed forces have a different appreciation for Memorial Day.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent idea to make those we are honoring real people who lived and loved. Such a loss. So many so young. Remember their sad widows, children and families as well. Which wars are really worth this?
ReplyDeleteSobering thoughts today, but we should not honor our fallen just one day a year....365 will do.
ReplyDeleteI honor all who have served with heart felt thanks.
ReplyDeleteA sad story but a great tribute. Well done, Paul.
ReplyDeleteRick’s Bits ‘n Bytes, Pics and News
Very nice post. Our thanks to those who served and their
ReplyDeletefamilies.
That was a very nice tribute. I have to admit it brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI will remember. To all those who have served or are still serving, my heartfelt thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat post-thanks!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to one our Nation's heroes. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTerrific tribute to a great young man. We enjoyed working yesterday and giving our active military free passes into the park, and telling them "thanks for your great service". Made them, and us, smile!
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