In Memory of our Troops

Many years ago, when I wrote for the Miami Herald, I was sent to Cedar Key, Florida, to report on the death of the Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Rory Buesing, the first soldier from Florida to be killed in the war in Iraq. Buesing was just 20, a young man who followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps and joined the marines. It was a somber experience. This is a small town in northern Florida, and so everyone knew him and his family. A memorial service was held at the high school auditorium and it overflowed with classmates and loved ones. The memory of seeing the innocence of early adulthood erased by death, has forever haunted me. I've thought often of Buesing, especially on this day. So today, as we scramble around and enjoy the day off, I hope we pause for a minute to honor the many men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us all.