If you've been following the Wyandotte Protest, you know that last week we protested on Friday as well as Saturday. If you look at the pictures on the sidebar, you will see that each one features the total number of U.S. fatalities in Iraq at the end of that week, usually updated on Saturday mornings right before we meet. Last week I updated the number on Friday evening, to 3,577, and then again on Saturday, to 3,578. The difference of that last digit has been weighing heavily on my mind. I've been wondering about the person who lost their life between the time we protested on Friday and when I updated the number the next morning. Each number represents a life cut tragically short, a devastated family, and a bereft community. The enormity of that is hard to grasp, which is why we update the number and post the pictures here. But I was curious about the one person whose death necessitated the changing of my sign from one day to the next. Here's what I learned:
He was Specialist James Lee Adair, 26, a U.S. army infantryman from Carthage, Texas. He was recently married, and expecting his first child in September. He was killed on June 29, 2007 after his vehicle struck an explosive.
His death will affect so many peoples' lives, not the least that of his unborn daughter. But he's only one. There are so many others, every one as important as the next. Each and every death is tragic. I'm sorry, James Lee Adair of Carthage, Texas, that we didn't end this in time for you. We hope to do better by your brothers-and-sisters-in-arms.
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2 comments:
Wow that is so powerful to hear the story of that soldier! Thank you for helping us to see exactly what that number means!
I have adopted a soldier in Iraq and have sent some "care" packages and letters. His name was passed on to me from a friend of a friend. I haven't heard from him in a while but got an e-card from him today. He was wishing me a happy 4th and said simply "Hope you'alls is better than mine". It really choked me up because I never know if one of the numbers added is my adopted soldier. His life is on the line everyday for this country and do most Americans realize what is happening in our name? I have never shared with him my feelings about the war, because it is not about me. I appreciate his service and want to show it in some way.
When I stand in protest and people honk and give the thumbs up, I realize how many people agree with ending the occupation in Iraq. I am afraid at times to discuss the topic with people because I don't want anyone to think I do not support our troops! We have a few people call out nasty things like "go back to Iraq", and make rude comments or hand signals. If they took the time to talk to anyone staning in protest they would know that we LOVE our country and our service people!
Hope to see you at one of our protests, Happy 4th and from my friend in Iraq "Hope you'alls is better than mine"
Hope you'alls is better than mine. How sad. Adopting a soldier and sending him goodies is an awfully nice thing to do. I'm sure it means a lot to him. I can understand not telling him your views on the war, not now anyway, but I would bet that many of those serving would say that they do what they do precisely so you and I can speak out in dissent. Godspeed to him.
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