Tribute to Our Fallen Children 

Anyone who knows me will know that I avoid conflict when it comes to discussions of religion, politics and anything else that makes me squirm because my beliefs may be different than most.

With the news of yet another fallen soldier from the Tampa Bay Region, I feel an urge to speak up and with all of its' billion members, I figured this would be a great place to start.

The story is that of PFC Cody C. Grater who died under enemy fire in Baghdad on July 29, 2007. Although there is no "short story", an e-mail from the local Chamber of Commerce alerted me to the fact that there was a procession being formed to line the streets of Spring Hill, Florida as the cars proceeded from the church to Cody's final resting place.

Below is a copy of the entry that I posted to Grater's Guest Book and I wanted to share the sentiments for everyone in this country, from each corner of our nation, in hopes that we pay the respects due to these fine people:

"... As I drove North along the route to find an appropriate spot to stand, I was amazed at the number of participants. I am happy to say that I had to drive almost 6 miles to find a spot that looked "vacant enough" for me to fill, as it was my desire to make sure that at no point along the journey, would the family not see someone standing there for him, the way he stood for us.

I know I was thinking of how he spent his time standing in the sunshine for me, in 65 pounds of gear, with no relief in sight, wondering if at any minute he would be fired upon. So I stand for him.

I kept thinking that I had the solace of knowing that in about an hour, I could go home to my house, jump in my pool and change out of my sweaty shorts and t-shirt.

Cody wasn't able to do that and although he did come home, he didn't enjoy the pool, or the air conditioning or the cold Diet Coke. He didn't get to see his family or his dogs or ride his four-wheeler. He didn't get to speak to his friends on the cell phone about Friday night's football game.

When I finally got in the house, after my dip in the cool waters of the luscious blue pool, my 3-year old daughter was wondering why I still had tears in my eyes, almost 2 hours after the procession past me.

The biggest part of all, is that she WILL understand why and I will never forget...."

Feel free to post an entry to Grater's Guest Book or tell us of a fallen soldier near you so that we can honor them in the same manner.

http://www.legacy.com/lebanon/gb/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonID=91788649

UNITED WE STAND!