Remembering

This morning was simply one of those spectacular weather days you would typically associate with the Memorial Day holiday – sunny, blue sky, and around 70 degrees at 9:30 am. It is the perfect day for a barbecue, a ball game, or time just spent with friends and loved ones.

NJ IRAQ MARINE KILLEDI was on my way home this morning from the deli where I picked up a few bacon egg and cheese sandwiches for the family. I’ll save my cooking for later on tonight on the Weber, thank you. While sipping my coffee I looked ahead to see my neighbor, John Wroblewski, Sr., washing his truck in the driveway as his wife Shawn was cleaning up in their garage. I just felt it was my duty to stop by and say hello for a moment.

I don’t know them very well, but we’ve talked before, and John greeted me with a warm smile and a hello.

“Hey John. I know this is a tough day for you guys,” I said as my voice shook a little, “But I just wanted to say hello and tell you that your son is in my thoughts and heart today.”

John stood motionless as he stared into my eyes.

1 WARDAD O'BOYLEOn April 6, 2004, in an ambush firefight in Ramadi, Iraq, JT Wroblewski, Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps, lost his life while attempting to save the lives of his troops he served with. JT, the 25 year-old son of John and Shawn, was the first Marine from the state of New Jersey to make the ultimate sacrifice during the Iraq war.

“Hey Tom, you don’t know how much that means to me,” John said.

Now, while I truly have NO idea how the man feels inside - I mean, how could I - but, I certainly do know what my stopping by meant to him.

“My family is so very proud of your son and we are so grateful for the service he gave.”

“Thank you so much, Tom. I really needed to hear that right about now.” John said. I’m not sure who’s eyes were glassier, but as I first said, I felt it was my duty to stop and pay my respects.

A couple of years ago, the road that enters our development was renamed after JT, and every day we are reminded of his sacrifice when we drive past the street sign. But on a day like today, it really hits home what it means to live in this neighborhood. A gathering took place on the day of the unveiling of the new street sign, as people from the community and Vietnam, Korean War, and WW2 veterans came to honor a hero.

On that somber day in April, 12 Marines lost their lives, including JT in that battle half way around the world. Since then, thousands of other sons and daughters have fought and died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Before that, the troops of Desert Storm were the first to deal with the oppressive heat and sand. And while the Middle East may be a new kind of fighting for our GI’s, it is still war, just the same. Over the centuries, so many American parents have had to endure the news that their boy would be coming home, but not of his own power.

mem-day-parade-grandyle1954Today there are parades a plenty all across small town USA. Little League Teams, Girl Scout Troops, and local politicians will be marching along side with Veterans of Foreign Wars. Tiny flags will be waved and people will stand and cheer. (And may I say there is no better place to enjoy a great cigar than a parade such as this!) Many will spend the day with good company (even though I will be shoveling mulch for the third day in a row.) And of course we’ll grill up a storm as the burgers, dogs, ribs, steaks, and chicken will be slathered and charred.

Today we honor those who served and gave it all. Every man and woman who is now gone, fought so we could be free… free to have barbecues. picnics, parades, ball games and gatherings. I feel that we truly honor our heroes by enjoying our freedom and celebrating life as an American citizen.

Being an American is the greatest freedom we can know, but it has always come with a price. Today we remember those sons and daughters, fathers and mothers who served when called upon. Today we are grateful to John Thomas Wroblewski and every person who has worn a uniform and made the country we live in, the greatest in the world.

Today we thank them and honor them all.

Peace,
Tommy Z.
JR Cigars, Blog With the Zman

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