June 22, 2003

FREEDOM'S COST

James Kiehl died fighting for good. His funeral is reported at Jessica’s Well.

Posted by Tim Blair at June 22, 2003 04:43 PM
Comments

What a staggering difference to the reception given the Vietnam era soldiers.
A fitting tribute to an American who paid the ultimate price for his country.
Lest We Forget.

Posted by: Pete at June 22, 2003 at 05:47 PM

Thank you, James.

Millions of people, because of what you chose to do with your life, will live better lives.

Their sons and daughters will live better lives as will their neighbors.

You used up your short life in order that so very many might enjoy the freedom that was yours already.

You are a big man in my eyes. Thanks again.

Posted by: JDB at June 22, 2003 at 06:21 PM

If I can be forgiven for this, he has good company on his new journey.

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/news/stories/20030620/topstories/515385.html

A member of my wife's extended family. The price is always so damned high, I wish I were younger, I wish they didn't have to go....God Bless them all.

Posted by: puggs at June 22, 2003 at 09:33 PM

What is most heartening is that, given the wide readership of your blog in a totally different part of the world from the USA, people may begin to understand better who we are!

Posted by: MommaBear at June 23, 2003 at 12:45 AM

Thanks to my crosstown Midland, Texas blogger, Natalie for the mention of this event!

Posted by: Wallace at June 23, 2003 at 02:34 AM

The first-hand reporting by a relative of the deceased was very effective in its description...but the pictures of the local populace bearing flags along the funeral's route through town...pictures taken from inside one of the vehicles....well, it had to be posted.

Thanks for linking, Mr. Blair.

Posted by: Natalie Drest at June 23, 2003 at 03:01 AM

Thank you for posting, Natalie. The Australian press has presented very little on those who died ... beyond statistics, anyway. Great work from you.

Posted by: tim at June 23, 2003 at 03:04 AM

It was great to see it show up on your blog.....I put you on the permanent blogroll right after the Bali bombing for my readers. Midland lost one of their own in the bombing (Jacob Young) and your blog was doing a lot of the heavy lifting on the subject.

I love how the blogosphere works.

Posted by: Natalie Drest at June 23, 2003 at 05:32 AM