Like a cloud on our heart (06/23/08)

The sun was shining over Jay County on Saturday morning. The sky was a glorious blue.

But there was a cloud over our heart.

Despite all logic, we had hoped that the community could make it through the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq without the loss of local life.

Last week, those hopes were dashed.

With the death of Andrew Whitacre, this community joins hundreds of others across America in mourning.

It is an occasion for solemnity. It is an occasion for dignity. And it is an occasion for honor.

On those three points, every American can agree.

This is not about politics. This is not about policy.

This is about a young man, one of our own, who is lost to us now.

Let us honor him now, with solemnity and with dignity and with enormous respect.

Let us honor and console his family and loved ones. Let us remind them that they are not alone.

They are part of a larger community and a nation that places great value on their sacrifice.

But, most of all, let us honor Andrew, a Marine, but also not much more than a kid.

A young man with the world and all its possibilities in front of him.

A young man so much like so many other young men and women who serve their country.

And let us acknowledge the painful passing of that cloud over our heart. - J.R.

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