Special Forces hero Staff Sgt. Mark R. De Alencar, the first American combat casualty this year in Afghanistan arrived home at Dover AFB April 10th, 2017 in the Dawns early light, covered by the Broad Stripes and Bright Stars of his flag following his perilous fight . This is a sobering and prescient reminder for us all as American’s to remember our men and women serving in all of our service branches protecting our lives, and defending our Nation and world’s freedom every day: at risk to their own lives.
United States Military Official Video
Our forces cannot afford to lose focus, or tire performing their mission against a deadly enemy. Just as they stay committed to their duty and mission to the end; we also must stay committed to them through the very end. This 6:15 video honors that ultimate sacrifice made by Staff Sgt. De Alencar. Do we not owe it to him, and all those before, and their families who have paid the ultimate price? Do we not owe it their comrades holding the line, and risking same right now, to share it? Are we too disinterested and war-weary to invest Six minutes and fifteen seconds of our time to respect, and give our gratitude and honor for this continuing sacrifice and commitment to our safety, security, and freedoms? Recalling the National resolve, and commitment this Nation had following the attacks on us 9/11, I think it is appropriate to quote lyrics from a song by Country Singer Darryl Worley a devoted USO performer….
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
Too see your homeland under fire and her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going through a living hellI’ve been there with the soldiers who’ve gone away to war
And you can bet that they remember just what they’re fighting for
Have you forgotten all the people killed?
Yeah some went down like heroes in that Pennsylvania field
Have you forgotten about our Pentagon?
Yeah all those loved ones that we lost
And those left to carry on
Don’t you tell me not to worry about Bin Laden
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
Too see your homeland under fire and her people blown away
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten
My purpose with this post, video, and article, is simply to remind us all, and ask. Have we Forgotten? As my highlighted song lyrics point out, our men and women in uniform haven’t.
Please be sure to share, and ask others to give them the honor by respectfully, and gratefully watching to the very end. This video is a powerful statement, and reminder for us all, we are at war; and likely will be for some time.
We lose our best and most heroic in this continuing war against evil and terror. Sadly this is a war that will consume and go beyond most of our warriors lifetimes like Staff Sgt. De Alencar grieving comrades, and our own lifetimes as well. It is a battle we must remain as committed to in support for these brave Service men and women; just as they are to their squad mates during battles manning the firing line to their Left, and Right. Will we as American’s supporting at home jeopardize our Warriors by engaging in Political battles within the Left and Right at home; allowing our enemies flanking opportunities against our troops lines Left and Right: jeopardizing their safety, success and winning the Victory?
We must support them apolitically. We must support them United as a Nation with the necessary resources in treasure, providing the best tools, weaponry, and equipment and most importantly with our absolute and unwavering support and recognition as a Nation for their mission, and sacrifices. Our enemies are scourges to humanity, from Assad’s gas attacks, to ISIS and Boko Haram genocide and sexual enslavement of young girls or the evil machinations of crazed dictators In North Korea, or Iran, these are just a few of the evils they face on the front lines defending us, and the worlds innocent targets.
Hopefully our Commander-in-Chief Prwill stay engaged, diligent, committed, and steadfast in that regard as he seems to be early on. Hopefully we American’s and our freedom-loving Allies in the world will also. If our troops cannot rest, relax, disengage, or stand down for even a moment in the face of such a lethal and monumental existential threat to humanity; we Americans and our allies in the Civilized world must not tire nor waver supporting their engagement of the enemy. How can you support these brave Americans performing their uncompromising, and unequivocal devotion to duty; if you cannot support their mission?
God Bless, and keep them as we give our thanks for their selfless sacrifice, duty, and commitment to ensuring the protection for our freedoms, and our very way of life. As we celebrate the self-less sacrifice during this Easter of our Lord granting us Victory and freedom over Sin and Death, please keep Sgt. De Alencar, his family, and all of our men and women serving freedom and working to achieve Victory over Evil, in your prayers.
