Memorial services for the Navy SEALS recently killed on a special ops mission in Afghanistan are being held across the country.

The Honolulu Advertiser has moving coverage here, profiles of the fallen here, and a memorial service photo gallery (Flash) here. An excerpt:

The loss of life eulogized yesterday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific was the most the SEALs have experienced in a single day since they fought as commandos in World War II. The pain it created was obvious on just about every face in the audience as each of the fallen SEALs was remembered by a friend. Nearly 1,000 people attended the ceremony.

Among the mourners was Warrant Officer Dave Bauer, a SEAL who spoke with powerful emotion about Senior Chief Daniel Healy. Bauer, a bear of a man, seemed to crumple beneath the weight of his words.

“As a father I can only hope my own sons … can grow to become a man like Dan,” Bauer said, pausing to gather breath and whatever emotional strength he could muster. “He is a guy … you want to grow up to be like.”

Bauer said he could not think of anyone else he would rather have at his side in battle than his friend Healy. “All SEALs will be held to a higher standard for what Dan did,” Bauer said. “This man will live forever for all men who call themselves warriors.”

Matthew Heidt of Froggy Ruminations has comprehensive coverage and charity info here.

R.I.P.

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Don’t miss Wretchard’s post on the mission at The Belmont Club.

See also Cardinal Park at Tigerhawk with some tough questions.

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