A couple of pictures and a link in memory of Jordan

[Taff]

I just thought that I would post a couple of pictures and links in memory of my son Jordan
We were first driven about 50 miles by the Sag Harbor PD to Yaphank NY where we met these Suffolk County Police who first escorted us to the Goethels Bridge in NYC (50 miles) to meet the motorcade and then led the motorcade the 100 or so miles back to Sag Harbor. At one point there were 15 or 16 of them.

New York State Troopers, Nassau County Police, Suffolk County Police, Sherrifs, and DEC officers lining up on the border to Nassau/Suffolk in honor of Jordan. The police behind us had closed the Parkway with a rolling road block to accommodate us and then they all joined in with the motorcade after we passed. If you look closely you can see people lining the bridge. They were either saluting or had their hands over their hearts. It was like that the entire way.

Fire Departments along the 100 mile route lined the roads and flew the flag.

A flag at half staff at his high school

Tributes to him about town. 19 flags....19 for his age and 19 symbolizing 1st Battalion, 9th Marines.

This is a link to an article I just got today that tells of what occurred with pictures and quotes from guys that were there with him. The picture of him that is posted is one I had never seen before. His head was shaved by Marines who had already been deployed...a tradition I guess.

Fearless Marines

Words truly fail me.

Keep strong.

 

[FJR Gary]

Thank you for sharing a most difficult experience Chris.

A most fitting tribute to an exceptional young man.

God Speed Jordan.

 

[user 10225]

The picture of him that is posted is one I had never seen before. His head was shaved by Marines who had already been deployed...a tradition I guess.Fearless Marines

LMAO! A tradition, indeed. It's a thing with the line units - mostly only Infantry dudes stick to it. It says a lot about your son that he followed tradition and went with it... lots of kids nowadays whine and cry about having to shave their precious hair.

As an Infantry Marine your family's story has resonated with me. I know what it is to leave friends and family behind to fulfill a personal sense of honor and duty. I know what it is to belong to a brotherhood for which you would lay down your life. And, ultimately, I know what it is to lose those Brothers. Most people will never understand why we do it...why we do what we do. Why do we leave the comforts of home to suffer in some god-forsaken country, to risk our lives and our souls immersed in a world of violence that most people will only experience in a movie theater - if they can stomach even that timid little taste.

Most will never understand that we do not care about politics. About world stabilization. About the global economy. About whether or not the war we find ourselves in is just, moral, or even legal. Most will never understand that it's about the men to our left and to our right... nothing more, nothing less.

We have a saying: Deeds, not Words. Your son exemplifies that creed, and there is honor in that though it may be small comfort at the moment.

I want to share two things that I carried with me throughout my time in the Corps, but especially through the darkest hours of my time in Iraq. The first is relatively well-known quote from Heraclitus. The second is a a personal little saying that I took from a friend (it was his own personal little prayer) that I have always thought captures the very essence of what we are as Warriors, and is something I said to myself every time I left the wire...

Both are placed here in this thread as a tribute to your son.

Of every one-hundred men, ten shouldn't even be there,

eighty are nothing but targets, nine are real fighters...

We are lucky to have them, they make the battle...

AH but ONE, one of them is a Warrior...

he will bring the others back

Heraclitus c. 500 B.C.

I stand guard, so you can sleep.

I take the fight to the enemy so they cannot take the fight to your families.

I will never forget that I may someday be required to give my life in service for this great nation to protect its freedom and those who enjoy it.

I stand guard so you can sleep.

 

[dgfella]

Axe, I'm truly sorry for your loss. Your son was an exceptional soldier and hero.

I've always believed that our time on earth is our time to learn what it takes to become closer to God. When someone so young passes, it means to me that they learned and grew and became closer to him in their short time.

I'm sure you are a proud and loving parent. I'm a dad too, of an only child. I can't imagine what you are feeling in your loss.

My prayers go out to you and your family.

 

[rogdeb]

Very emotional ............ thanks for sharing Axe.

Rog n Debs

 

[raclow]

WOW!!! What a wonderful display of appreciation. Once again, no words to describe the feelings.

 

[radman]

Sgt Rad

 

[vabrzn]

Thanks for sharing. Your son was truly loved and respected by many.

Again, sorry for your family's loss.

 

[Docholiday]

Axeman, I would just like to add my voice to the chorus. Thank you for all that your family has sacrificed. My heart goes out to you. I hope you can find some peace in this time of anguish knowing that your son sacrificed his life to save many. Thanks for sharing.

 

[SacramentoMike]

I don't know you and didn't know your fine son, but just like many of the officers in the procession who may have been strangers to you, I want to pay tribute in some small way, and I hope you feel the outpouring of support from your brothers and sisters in this community as you must have felt it seeing those standing at attention and honoring Jordan in that sad procession. My sincere condolences to your and everyone in your family.

 

[2wheelingdawg]

What a tribute to a true American Hero. It is because of heroes like Jordan that the fight is being taken to the enemy over there instead of on our streets here. As a former Marine Infantryman myself,I feel proud to have worn the same uniform as Jordan.He sacrificed so that others could live. Semper Fi brother and welcome home.

 

[05fjrBluedevil]

RIP Jordan, prayers and thoughts are still being sent out to your family.

Mike

 

[NoCage]

Axe... that had to be heart-wrenching to post. Thank you. Jordan deserved the honor he received when laid to rest. I'll never forget what he did for us. God bless.

 

[Heber Guy]

SEMPER FI

AL

USMC 67-73

 

[Rondo777]

I havent cried for years but I'm doing it right now. I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm sharing your letter to Jordan with friends and family to remind them of the sacrafices young men and women are making for our freedom and security.

Thank you for sharing.