TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Pasco Letters to the Editor

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 28, 2008

'He Was Our Hero'

Thank you to all the residents of Dade City and Pasco County who participated in the recognition of our hero, Marcus Mathes.

We, the family and friends of Marcus Mathes, were recently in your community for a very special and extremely emotional occasion. Our family from Americus, Ga., and many others from Georgia, Florida and other states were there for the services of Marcus' untimely death to say our last goodbyes.

We lost Marcus on April 28, a Monday, in Iraq. He was an American soldier. Our family is still dealing with the deep sense of loss, as we realize so many families before and after us have and will.

None of us raises our children to go to war, but they do and they do so willingly, as Marcus did. Our hearts were broken as we went through your city, but we realized your hearts were breaking also.

There are no words to adequately thank you for the patriotism shown to all of us. I cannot explain or tell you how much it meant to us to see so many people lining your sidewalks in respect. We will remember this tribute forever.

We thank each and every one who took the time to honor Marcus in this very special way. Marcus' grandmother was my sister. Her husband was Marcus' grandfather, who served in World War II, received the Purple Heart and was medically honorably discharged. They both have passed away.

Our special thanks to the veterans who were in attendance at the visitation and so gracious to be at the service and to lead in numbers the funeral procession. They were absolutely wonderful and greatly admired for the service they rendered.

To all the law officers who helped with safety issues, as well as the escort, especially Capt. Duff - thank you, thank you.

To everyone who had any part in making this difficult time a little easier for all of us - we pray for God's blessing for you.

To Dade City: I wish I could personally thank each of you. I can assure you we will always remember you in our hearts. You truly set an example for every other city in these United States that ever loses anyone in any war. These young men and women sacrifice and give their all for us, and they deserve no less.

Marcus was 26 years old. He loved the military and his wife, his family. He was such a happy young man and was loved by everyone he met. He was always smiling. He was our hero, and we miss him.

Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to your town and its very special residents.

MARLENE CROMER

Americus, Ga.

The writer is great-aunt of Army Sgt. Marcus Mathes, who was killed April 28 in a mortar attack in Baghdad. He was a resident of Zephyrhills.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT