L/Cpl. Drew Uhles would have been 21 Sunday, but for George Bush...

[Cuban_Liberal]

As I drove two hours south on Route 51 Sunday, I reflected on what a sad month this has been for the people of this state. Galva, Manteno, Belleville, Mattoon, Paris, Martinsville, Casey, Du Quoin--- small towns scattered across this great Midwestern state whose sons and daughters had been sacrificed in Iraq. I've personally attended 3 funerals in that time-- my nephew's, and two for members of a local Army National Guard unit.

It was Drew Uhles' 21st birthday Sunday, and hundreds of people gathered to honor his memory in a city park in Du Quoin, Illinois. It was this small coal-mining community's loving embrace for the young Marine lance corporal who died Wednesday during an enemy attack in Iraq. For a time the chirping of birds in the trees above and squirrels chattering were the only sounds to be heard as the wind blew gently through the large, old trees shading the reverent crowd.

American flags flew all around and uniforms of every kind dotted the park. Marines past and present greeted each other with "Semper fi!." People young and old came from all over Illinois to pay tribute to this brave soldier who died far too young in a place far removed from this quiet community, to pray for the safety of our soldiers stationed all around the globe, to pray for the nation, and to show their support for Drew Uhles' family--- his parents, Dan and Marla, and older siblings Melissa, Sean and Neil.

Subdued sobs ran through the crowd as Janet Bean read "A Mother's Prayer." Her husband Chuck served in the military and her son is finishing a stint now in South Korea. Drew Uhles sent the poem to his mother on June 8, 2003, during his first tour of duty in Iraq. He wrote to Marla Uhles that his roommate had found the poem and that Drew "rewrote it to fit me and Neil. Hope you like it. Love Always, Drew." The prayer from a soldier's mother asks that God "look after those boys of mine, wherever they may be," and calls her boys "my choicest treasures."

"Here is a young man who laid down his life in service to his country; greater love hath no man, than that he lay down his life for his friends," said the Rev. Edgar Wirth of St. John United Church of Christ, as he prayed. "We give our thanks for the Uhles family, and we are grateful for the gift Drew was to our community"

As the flag at the nearby veterans memorial flew at half-staff and a group held a huge American flag between them, a brass quartet from the local high school played 'The Navy Hymn'. Later, the crowd sang 'Abide With Me' and 'Blessed Be the Tie'.

"I want to lift up a prayer for the troops," a Rev. Dickerson said. "Protect them, watch over them. When they're lonely, I pray that You'll be their friend. When they're scared that You'll put Your arms around them. You have Drew in Your arms right now saying, 'Welcome home, good and faithful servant,'" he said. "We are so sorry he had to give his life. We are so proud, so proud he was willing to give his life for this country and we're grateful for the people who are here today. Bless the memory of this fine soldier, Drew Uhles."

Tears flowed and the crowd lingered for some time, remembering the special hometown boy. As I lingered with them, I discovered that Drew was an award-winning percussionist when he was in high-school, and that he hoped to continue his musical education after completing his stint in the Corps. I heard the story of how a ten year-old Drew wanted a dog, and that his mother told him to ask God for one and, when a dog followed him home from school the next day he told her "Mom, God answered my prayer!". That dog is still in the Uhles' back yard, not yet aware that he will never see his master again.

How many more Drew Uhles must we permit George Bush to sacrifice on the bloody altar of his neo-con, imperialist dreams? How many?

Rest in peace, L/Cpl. Uhles, and may God comfort your family and friends as they mourn your needless, senseless death.

[oldlady]

1. beautiful

thank you for such a touching picture and for keeping us all reminded of the cost that transcends charts, graphs and percentages. peace to you

[Cuban_Liberal]

2. Thank you.

Peace unto you, also.

:hug:

[kodi]

3. in a thousand towns this rite is being played. still it hurts each time

my prayers are with the friends and families of those who have lost a loved one in this stupid war.

i was 16 when my dad came in my room to tell me that my uncle had died in viet nam. i never want anyone to have to go thru that, never want anyone to wonder why such a sacrifice was required.

[Cuban_Liberal]

4. It will continue, until we insist that it stop.

We must bring and end to the insanity.

[progressivebydesign]

5. Beautiful. Thank you. n/t

[Cuban_Liberal]

6. You're most welcome.

:)

[gratuitous]

7. Very nice

I wish I could join in the sentiment that Mr. Uhles or any of the other dead "gave their lives in defense" of anything. Unfortunately, any meaning to be gotten for their death will have to come from us, the living, who simply must require that the U.S. will never again abuse its position as it has in the Iraq invasion. And that we the people resolve that we will hold our elected and appointed leaders accountable when they fail, as they have here, to call out the military without good or just cause.

[Cuban_Liberal]

9. Amen!

:thumbsup:

[in_cog_ni_to]

8. May Drew Rest In Peace.

:hug: Thank You for the beautiful post.

I'm so sorry for your loss and may George Bush burn in hell for what he's done.


As a side note....

One of my dearest and oldest friends lives in DuQuoin. We've been friends since kindergarden...a looooong, loooong time. She has lived there forever. Is that where you're from? My friend more than likely knows your sister. She knows everyone in DuQuoin. (small town ;)) Her dad's the Mayor.

[Cuban_Liberal]

10. I live 2 hours north of Du Quoin.

I drove down when I read about the memorial service.

:)

[myrna minx]

11. Bless you Drew and all the precious lives that follow. n/t

[Cuban_Liberal]

12. Amen, n/t