A Fitting Tribute To A Slain Navy SEAL Gains Attention - With Video
A little-known tribute some Navy SEALs gave to a fallen comrade is gaining notice.
Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April.
His funeral in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego was attended by “nearly every SEAL on the West Coast,” said his grandfather, George Monsoor, Sr., who described his grandson as an “outgoing guy.”
During the service, as Monsoor’s coffin was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, Navy SEALs lined up in two columns. As the coffin passed, video shows each SEAL, having removed the gold Trident from his own uniform, slapping it down and deeply embedding it in Monsoor’s wooden coffin.
The slaps were reportedly heard across the cemetery.
The symbolic display moved many, included President Bush, who during his speech in April’s Medal of Honor ceremony spoke about the incident.
“The procession went on nearly half an hour,” Bush said. “And when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.”
Monsoor was killed on Sept. 29, 2006. He had been assigned to protect fellow SEALs on a rooftop in Ramadi, Iraq, when a fierce firefight with insurgents broke out. During the battle, a grenade bounced off Monsoor’s chest and landed on the roof.
Faced with the choice to save his comrades or save himself, Monsoor threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the impact.
He is survived by his parents, an older sister and two brothers.
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I thank G-d everyday that we have brave and tough men like PO Monsoor who are willing to go into battle against evil, G-d rest Michael Monsoor and all like him who have given all.
July 4th, 2008 at 7:42 amI have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith.
Rest easy, brother.
July 4th, 2008 at 7:53 amGod bless him
July 4th, 2008 at 8:03 amGod how I both love and hate to watch these vid’s.
I love the feeling of pride and appreciation that I get knowing what is being provided for me by someone else’s selfless sacrifice.
I hate the way I get choked up every time I watch one of these services.
Thank all of those from the birth of our great nation that have laid down their lives so that I may grow free. Do not forget the 5 Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients from Iraq and Afghanistan:
PO2 Michael Monsoor, USN; Lt. Michael Murphy USN; Cpl Jason Dunham, USMC; SFC Paul Smith, USA; PFC Ross McGinnis, USA
Semper Fi to ALL!
July 4th, 2008 at 8:07 amGod Bless Michael Monsoor for reminding us of what true virtue and goodness really is.
July 4th, 2008 at 8:11 amGodspeed mate…
They should name a carrier after him.
July 4th, 2008 at 8:39 amThere is nothing I can add. Thank you Michael.
July 4th, 2008 at 8:52 amThank you Michael Monsoor. Thank you for protecting this great nation. I picture you up there protecting the gates right now.
July 4th, 2008 at 8:56 am“From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;” W.Shakespeare
God bless this young man and all who serve our great nation. Thank you all for your service and sacrifice.
Mark Nicholas CW-2 US Army 1974-1979
July 4th, 2008 at 9:21 amAmericans will always love and honor this man and his family. There might be other heroes, but the soldier’s job puts life in perspective. To go above the demands of the average soldier is to soar with the angels where Medal Of Honor recipients fly.
July 4th, 2008 at 11:04 amGod Bless all of our vets, active duty soldiers and the families that support them. Happy Independence Day Dollard Nation!
ahh these things always get to me
i wish people like him would live a long time…
July 4th, 2008 at 5:23 pmMichael Monsoor. Hooah Michal Monsoor.
Thank you to all past and present soldiers who serve selflessly for our American way of life.
July 4th, 2008 at 7:06 pmWhy are the people in Code Pinko and MoveOn as well as most Democrats not in jail for acts of sedition when they undermine men like this????????
July 5th, 2008 at 6:59 amFor gallantry and intrepidy above and beyond the call of duty….this great warrior now rests with heroes.
No greater love, no greater legacy…That a man would lay down his life for his friends.
Borrwing from the great and noble Gipper: “You are [a man] who in your ‘[life] fought for life . . . and left the vivid air signed with your honor.”‘
July 5th, 2008 at 7:48 amThank you Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor from me and my family. We pray for your remaining family members that they somehow find peace in your passing.
My regret is that I never got a chance to meet you, shake your hand and say thank you myself. I have a faith that says one day I will get that chance.
Folks like you Mike inspire all of us…the best legacy a man can leave and one that leaves an indelible mark of pride on all of us to be called your countrymen. You represent the best this side of heaven that man can offer.
July 5th, 2008 at 9:27 amMany thanks to family for giving all an Americans a hero. Many thanks to God for making a true hero for service. May this man and his family enjoy the comforts that only God can provide.
May Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor guard the gates of Heaven for all time.
July 5th, 2008 at 1:37 pm