Today, I attended the...

[Green Mountain Dem]

funeral of the 5th Vermonter to lose his life in this insane war, and he was my Godson. What a terrible, terrible waste of a fantastic young man who just wanted to finish his tour, leave the military, and become a teacher.

Today, Capt Pierre Esprit Piche (Sept 10,1974-Nov 15,2003) came home, and his life was celebrated by his beloved family members, and his many, many friends. The testimonials were truly heart-rendering and it was very apparent that he was dearly loved by everyone he touched.

Of course there was a heavy military presence but I had mixed emotions when I heard the gun salute and the playing of "Taps".
I had the same emotions when his wife was presented, on his behalf, with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals.

I guess our President couldn't make it today, and had more important matters to attend to in Las Vegas....like raising more money for his campaign and celebrating the passage of the new Medicare Bill.

Well Mr. President....Pierre won't be needing any Medicare now, but from a personal perspective...I remain convinced that he is in a better place...free from your clutches and those of your following.
On another personal note, I will never forget, nor will I ever forgive, this president, for depriving me from performing my duties, as a Godfather, to protect and make safe those who have been entrusted to my care.

Pierre was offered many perks to re-up, but all he wanted to do was to come home and join his wife, the love of his life, in teaching our children. He would have been so good at it, and we all would have benefitted.

How many more funerals, like today, will it take before we as Americans stand and say...ENOUGH MR PRESIDENT!!! 87 Billion is bad enough...BUT NOT ONE MORE LIFE...Bring Our Troops Home...NOW !!

[terrisel]

1. I am very sorry

and you are right we need to make them end it now.

[TXvote]

2. I am very sorry for your loss

and those loss to our nation of such a young vital and beloved man.

Peace,
Teresa
www.votervirgin.com

[eissa]

3. There is no greater pain

I feel for you, and especially for that young man's parents. God, I could not imagine the pain of losing a child and pray I never will. I know it is every parent's worst nightmare. Especially when it could have been prevented. I don't know how * sleeps at night.

[UrbScotty]

4. I extend my sympathies to you.

Well said.

[blm]

5. So sorry it hit so close to you. We can only work towards change

and peace every day in every way we can.

Your post would make an excellent submission to your newspaper.

[in_cog_ni_to]

6. I'm so sorry, roninvt.

My condolences to you and his family. What a tragic loss of innocent life.

[Red_Viking]

7. Condolences

I'm very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks every time I hear about a vital young American who will not come back to his or her family.

And, I'm scared. My 23-year-old nephew, who is a musician and about to be married, joined the Army. I have no idea why. I went nuts when I found out. He goes to basic training in March. So I'm terrified for him. My sister, his mother, is a fundie. As in, she isn't sure she believes all that Charles Darwin stuff. He has always been free-spirited and open-minded. I can't imagine him in the military.

So I weep for your loss, the loss of all our brave soldiers, those yet to come, and the innocent Iraqis whose lives are also shattered by this bloodthirsty and insanely greedy administration.

:grouphug:

RV

[LibertyorDeath]

8. roninvt very sorry to hear of your loss.

I hope this insanity ends soon.

[Ilsa]

9. My condolences.

I am so sorry for your loss. How terrible it must be.

Let's work extra hard to bring the troops home NOW!

[nini]

10. So so sorry for your loss

My thoughts and prayers are with you and all touched by this unjustified loss.

:hug:

[Droopy]

11. I'm sorry for your loss

Every American needs to hear your words.

[tom_paine]

12. My condolences

What else is there to say at a time like this?

A tragic, needless death...

[VolcanoJen]

13. Rest in peace, Capt. Piche.

Thank you so very much for sharing the story of your godson with all of us, roninvt. I hope his wife is able to find comfort in these horrible days.

:-( :-( :-(

[mmonk]

14. condolences roninvt

[proud patriot]

15. My prayers are with you

and all of our soldiers

[G_j]

16. Thank you for sharing your sorrow and outrage

my deepest condolences.

I pray your words will touch someone and stir them to do some soul searching.

[indigo32]

17. I am so sorry for your loss

and that of his entire family. I tear up thinking of his wife and parents. It's just so senseless.