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shawa CNO
Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 2004
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Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 2:56 pm Post subject: He was a Marine, and we take care of our own' |
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A heartwarming story.
GOD BLESS THE USMC!!!
Quote: | He was a Marine, and we take care of our own'
Veterans young and old assure WWII hero priest will get full military burial
Saturday, July 09, 2005
BY JUDY PEET
Star-Ledger Staff
Once again, the Marines got the job done.
Outraged over a claim by the U.S. Navy that it did not have the resources to grant war hero Monsignor Paul F. Bradley's last wish -- to be buried with full military honors -- retired Marines across New Jersey went on the offensive yesterday.
Elderly veterans who remembered Bradley's extraordinary bravery and compassion as a Marine chaplain on Iwo Jima during World War II joined with younger Marines who never heard of Bradley but felt he had been "dissed by his government," as one explained.
They began working the phones early in the day. They called politicians including acting Gov. Richard Codey, recruiting offices, Marine Corps headquarters in Quantico, Va., and Navy regional headquarters in Connecticut.
They struck a particularly responsive chord with U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine, a former Marine reservist. By late afternoon, the mission was accomplished.
Military casket bearers, flag folders and a bugler -- representing both the Marines and the Navy -- will be at the 11 a.m. funeral Mass today at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Long Branch and at Bradley's burial in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn.
A rifle team will provide a graveside salute, and police from Long Branch, New York City and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will provide an escort accompanying the hearse between Long Branch and Brooklyn.
Sailors and Marines from New Jersey, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Connecticut will be represented at the funeral and burial. Bradley will get his final wish.
"It's the kind of send-off Monsignor Bradley wanted, and we weren't going to give up until he got it," said Julius Spohn, a retired Marine from Newark who even rounded up Iwo Jima veterans -- all in their 80s -- to pay their respects at the monsignor's viewing last night.
"He was a Marine, and we take care of our own."............cont'd |
CONTINUED at New Jersey Star Ledger _________________ “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.” (Thomas Paine, 1776) |
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Navy_Navy_Navy Admin
Joined: 07 May 2004 Posts: 5777
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Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 4:05 pm Post subject: |
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Good going, Marines!
Fair winds and following seas, Monsignor Bradly. Please pray for us.
_________________ ~ Echo Juliet ~
Altering course to starboard - On Fire, Keep Clear
Navy woman, Navy wife, Navy mother |
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