Category Opinion
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I imagine that some of my posts in the past (including one last week) would give you the impression that I am not a fan of our military; that could not be further from the truth. The truth is that I am a veteran (USAF), and I am a strong supporter of our military. While I may not believe in the actions in which they have been thrown (and sacrificed), I support our troops with all my heart.

I read a story today from a somewhat unlikely place - Snopes - that touched my heart. The story is entitled Account describes Navy SEALs' funereal tribute to Medal of Honor recipient Mike Monsoor that tells a bit of the story of Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike Monsoor. His story is touching - he sacrificed himself in order to save his fellow SEALs from a grenade. Sacrifice of that order definitely deserves the highest recognition in our country, the Medal of Honor.

But a tribute I found very personal and touching is what his fellow SEALs did during his funeral. All of the SEALs in attendance drove their "Tridents" (awarded to SEALs upon successful completion of their training) into the lid of PO2 Monsoor's coffin. I found it to be a touching and fitting tribute to this American hero. The result of this tribute is shown below.



If you read the writeup at Snopes of this occasion, the description of this ceremony was submitted as follows:

During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was being moved from the hearse to the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route forming a column of two's, with the coffin moving up the center. As Mike's coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin.

The slaps were audible from across the cemetery; by the time the coffin arrived grave side, it looked as though it had a gold inlay from all the Tridents pinned to it. This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero.

I cannot agree more with the sentiment at the end of this quote. This was a fitting send-off for this fallen "warrior-hero".

There is also a deeply touching and moving video memorial for PO2 Mike Monsoor, which includes a brief portion of the SEAL's memorial to their fallen brother. If you're interested, you can watch it here:



Once again I am humbly, deeply, proud of our troops in the military. I know they are a selfless, honorable, and amazing group of men and women, and I sincerely hope that they all make it home quickly and safely.

Thanks for your service and sacrifice, PO2 Monsoor. You will be missed.

Rock