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Comments

1. #1
   On October 17th, 2008 at 4:22 pm, ajmontana said:

   R.I.P. Specialist Fortunato
   You are one brave (expletive deleted) Hero.

2. #2
   On October 17th, 2008 at 4:23 pm, rotarymunkey said:

   Godspeed, sir…

3. #3
   On October 17th, 2008 at 4:23 pm, WrshpMzshn said:

   “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Mark 12:30

   God rest the soul of Army Specialist Stephen Fortunato

   We humbly salute you.

4. #4
   On October 17th, 2008 at 4:24 pm, malkin_fan said:

   Turn the god damn place into glass and start all over.

5. #5
   On October 17th, 2008 at 4:24 pm, flmom said:

   I second ajmontana.

6. #6
   On October 17th, 2008 at 4:25 pm, jdubya said:

   A True American Hero.

7. #7
   On October 17th, 2008 at 4:28 pm, Southpaw said:

   My respects to Specialist Fortunato.

   Science Fiction author Robert A. Heinlein may have been on to something when he wrote “Starship Troopers” in 1959. From Wiki (referring to future society in the novel):

   There is an explicitly-made contrast to the democracies of the 20th century, which according to the novel, collapsed because “people had been led to believe that they could simply vote for whatever they wanted… and get it, without toil, without sweat, without tears.”

8. #8
   On October 17th, 2008 at 4:28 pm, trailortrash said:

   :salute:

9. #9
   On October 17th, 2008 at 4:31 pm, cpodug said:

   I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom. Bob Dylan

   Specialist Fortunato, may you always have fair winds and following seas, and thank you. Bravo Zulu.

10. #10
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:31 pm, hunter said:

    God rest Army Specialist Stephen Fortunato, and bless his family. We will be eternally grateful for your sacrifice.

11. #11
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:32 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Mark 12:30

    Truth.

    Thank you, Stephen Fortunato, for your love.

12. #12
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:33 pm, letget said:

    Oh my, this is what our country is about. Thank you AS Fontunato and God Bless you and your family. RIP in God’s arms.
    My husband is on a VFW motorcycle guard for our fallen military and today he took off work for a funeral for one of the members of our VFW who passed away. It is just one tiny bit of respect people who love our country can tell the family their loved one did not serve our Republic in vain. We do love and thank each and every one.
    L

13. #13
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:33 pm, IrishMom said:

    May God give Betty and the rest of this hero’s family His peace. We are grateful for his sacrifice and for his family’s.

14. #14
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:33 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    RIP

15. #15
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:34 pm, NC BLUE said:

    We have an all volunteer force. Those that do not believe what they are doing is right are free to leave. Those that remain share many of the thoughts of Specialist Fortunato. May God bless his family and friends. To all the bed wetters, (expletive deleted) you and all your socialist friends.

16. #16
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:35 pm, IrishMom said:

    Perhaps we should forward this letter to some of our less tolerant, more liberal brethren… might learn a little something.

17. #17
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:35 pm, El_Guapo said:

    God bless this young man and all those like him who had the courage to volunteer to do this for us.

18. #18
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:36 pm, jamesrileyjr said:

    God bless you, sir.

    May God send His angels to guide you to eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon you, now and forever. Amen.

19. #19
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:37 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Damn! That was great! Hey Murtha! What say you?

20. #20
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:37 pm, BayStateRepublican said:

    Thank you, Specialist Fortunato for your service, sacrifice and for sharing your feelings with us. Our loss is heaven’s gain. Betty, may the Lord lift you up and bless you.

    BSR

21. #21
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:37 pm, Bud Fox said:

    Sgt. Rock is in your heart. Salute.

22. #22
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:38 pm, FloridaBill said:

    With statements like his, it’s no wonder they try to diminish or discard the military votes our service men and women EARN the right to cast!

    Army Specialist Stephen Fortunato, R.I.P.! Thank you for defending me and mine!

23. #23
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:38 pm, rike101 said:

    He has renewed my faith in the future of this country, at least for a few minutes.

    R.I.P.

24. #24
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:40 pm, wighttrasch said:

    keep the counter-productive [expletive deleted] to a minimum while the grown ups figure out how to handle this god-awful mess in the middle east.

    Dear G-d; this young man wrote what should be required reading for, at least, every troll in here.

25. #25
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:40 pm, IrishMom said:

    Unfortunately, Rep. Murtha will not “get it”. It has been too long since he said or did anything considered honorable.

26. #26
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:40 pm, Brian72 said:

    This is the type of American that knew what America is supposed to be, and did something to keep it that way.

    Never forget these people, and their families, ever.

    freedomalliance.org

27. #27
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:41 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    Unless you believe the events of 9/11 were the result of a government conspiracy, which by the way would make you a MORON,

    That’s for the Rosie “fire doesn’t melt steel” crowd.

    Stephen is correct that there was not a Republican government conspiracy.

    But there is sufficient evidence to suggest that Putin and American Communists like William Ayers may have conspired with the radical sects of Islam to secretly declare war on our way of life…

    Think I’m crazy?
    Try refuting even a single one of the TRUTH statements in that post.

    Stephen Fortunato gave his life fighting foreign enemies.
    Shouldn’t we do our part to identify and fight domestic enemies?

28. #28
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:42 pm, graysonret said:

    A hero died Tuesday, and joined the ranks of the other heroes of our country. “Grandpa, were you are hero in the war?” “No, but I served in a company of heroes.”

29. #29
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:42 pm, jrlingreenbay said:

    It is because we have brave, unselfish men and women such as this who, unfortunately, come home under these circumstances, that we’re here today.

    It is also why I, and nearly 150,000 other members of the Patriot Guard, inevitably shed tears of pride and sorrow when we stand our flaglines.

    God Speed, Soldier, & God Bless

30. #30
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:44 pm, John Ansell said:

    May God watch over you Betty Crawford. Thanks for raising such a brave hero.

31. #31
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:46 pm, MrVIBEMAN said:

    Rest in Peace, Stephen.

    You’ll hear our prayers for you and your family.

32. #32
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:46 pm, hatfield said:

    The embodiement of everything it means to be an American. Well done soldier. You may now stand down.

33. #33
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:47 pm, d1carter said:

    I thank God that we have men like Steve Fortunato in this country. I pray for God’s blessings on his family and friends. God’s speed Specialist Steve Fortunato.

34. #34
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:56 pm, tuffy said:

    I can’t read anything by a late soldier. My man is in Iraq. My heart goes out to Spc Fortunato’s family.

35. #35
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:57 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    America is blessed to produce young men and women like Specialist Fortunato. I salute you.
    (damn, it’s hard to type barely able to see the screen!)

36. #36
    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:59 pm, Artbyruth said:

    God bless Stephen and all our soldiers in harm’s way. THANK YOU!!! for all you do for us.

    May God be with his family at this difficult time.

37. #37
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:03 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
    Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
    At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

38. #38
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:08 pm, lottadawg said:

    Thanks Michelle I needed this now.
    Bless this child of America and his family. He has freedom in his veins as do all of America’s children. I’m so proud of this young warrior and it is humbling to think of Steve as a complete person, knowing what he is doing, and maybe where he was going. Time for the rest of the adults to step forward.

39. #39
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:12 pm, NDgal said:

    Spoken like a true American Hero. May you now rest in peace for eternity.

    On October 17th, 2008 at 4:56 pm, tuffy said:
    I can’t read anything by a late soldier. My man is in Iraq. My heart goes out to Spc Fortunato’s family.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved one as well.

40. #40
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:13 pm, Boomer said:

    Thank God for men and women like Specialist Fortunato who have or are willing to give their precious lives to defend this country. It is young men and women like this I am privileged to serve with that make getting up every day and going to work to contribute in my small way in fighting the battle of the budget to get them the resources they need when in harms way worth while.

41. #41
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:14 pm, postobitum said:

    OORAH! God speed, Specialist Fortunato, and bless you.

42. #42
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:25 pm, Send_Me said:

    It’s a shame that the views of those of us actually fighting this war aren’t out in the open more often. As I wrote a while back, in the past few years, “We Support the Troops,” has become a sort of cliché whose meaning has never really been discussed. One hears it all the time: on the radio, on billboards, those little yellow-ribbon magnets, from politicians on the stump, from store marquees… It makes people feel good about themselves. One doesn’t win an audience by saying, “We Don’t Support the Troops.” The question though remains: What does it mean to “Support the Troops?” Speaking for myself, it means three things; 1) Supporting their mission, 2) Encouraging more of-age men to enlist, and 3) Encouraging our troops, not by showing their sacrifice, but their accomplishments. What does it mean to “support the mission?” Americans must decide: Are we a military at war or a country at war? Right now, most folks go on with their lives without a clue as to what occurs overseas. The debate for going to war has already taken place. The votes fell as they did. The President, as the Commander-in-Chief, has made his decision; however, success depends not solely on military might. Either we fight as a nation, or we fail. It is that simple. For any campaign, especially counterinsurgencies, to succeed, as has been written by smarter men than I, a nation must have the support of the Government, the People, and the Military. I and many others can vouch for the military. What say you?

43. #43
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:31 pm, CoffeeGuzzler said:

    Most of America now days is not worthy of having real men like Stephen Fortunato fight for the freedoms that they are abusing. There is not one democrat in USA that would make a pimple on Stephen’s butt and you would have to look hard to find a handfull of republicans in congress that would. Those morons that protest in the streets and on websites etc… are spitting on Stephen’s grave as well as my own father’s grave and millions of other real God fearing America loving MEN. It is a great loss for his family and the rest of us but in a way it is a blessing for Stephen to die this way because he actually died for something he believed in and loved. If it were within my power I would gladly trade places with him right this minute so he could have some more years on earth and I am verrrrrry serious. How many democrats would be willing to do that? Oh yeah, they are too busy flying in helicopters that “almost” got shot at. God Bless you Stephen and your loved ones that you left behind. It’s hard to type this with blurry eyes.

44. #44
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:31 pm, feebiebabe said:

    Great story. Thanks for posting.

45. #45
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:32 pm, Baltimore Jack said:

    If only his words, giving us a glimpse into his soul, could be required reading for every American. I thought immediately of the perceptions from the Iraqi Shiite conscripts on the front lines in Desert Storm in 1991. As they surrendered, they marveled that their captors, the U.S. Army and Marines did not shoot them on site (as they had been forewarned by the ruling Sunnis). They marveled at the humane treatment they were afforded. They marveled at the compassion and professionalism of our finest. They had life changing transformations though, when they first learned, that our force was an all volunteer force. In their world, they could not even imagine a country worth fighting for. They fought – ok surrendered – in fear for their families left behind under Saddam’s watch. Our forces fought for quaint ideas like duty, family, honor and country. They were in awe, as am I today. Thank you Betty. You’ve given history someone to be revered…an American who died in service to others whose numbers are testament to the difference between us and our enemies.

46. #46
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:34 pm, ThunderHawkk said:

    I’ve been trying to figure something out… If America’s Hussein (as opposed to Iraq’s Hussein) wins this election, how many different ways will I upchuck when men like Fortunato are required to SALUTE our President Hussein?

    I’m removing the carpeting from my home in preparation for all the upchucking I’m going to do in my own home over the next four years.

47. #47
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:36 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

    All gave some, some gave all.

    RIP Fortunato, RIP.

48. #48
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:45 pm, CoffeeGuzzler said:

    Hey ThunderHawkk, I hope you are sorry for removing your carpet and hopefully after this election you will just have a good excuse to put in new carpet.

49. #49
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:50 pm, tonyr951 said:

    Take that you slack jawed San Francisco f……I better stop.

    R.I.P. Fortunato, we all owe you.

50. #50
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:52 pm, gailygirl said:

    America– Home of the free because of the Brave -God bless you, Army Specialist Stephen Fortunato.

51. #51
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:55 pm, localmalcontent said:

    We sleep peacefully tonight, here in America, because of fine and great soldiers like PFC Stephen Fortunato.

    I’ve copied his blog post onto my blog this evening, along with my personal and sad comments.
    Mister Fortunato’s name and heroism will be remembered among Choctaw tonight here.

52. #52
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:55 pm, zorro said:

    The tears are flowing.

    Eternal rest grant unto him,O Lord.

    And let perpetual Light shine upon him

    May his Soul, and the Souls of all the Faithful departed, rest in Peace.

    Amen.

53. #53
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:55 pm, Big V said:

    The family has my condolences and Army Specialist Stephen Fortunato has my highest respect.

54. #54
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:56 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    Specialist Fortunato and his family;

    I cannot tell you how much you have given this country. I cannot tell you how much your sacrifice means to me. I will give you this solemn promise, that even at my age of 58, I will stand beside your spirit and will accept you guide me through the fight I know I have to take. I love this country and I will not let the left win… be with me, sir……. Semper Fidelis in the best meaning of the phrase, you earned it. I have your watch on the wall, rest well.

55. #55
    On October 17th, 2008 at 5:59 pm, TxSkirt said:

    Holy smack. That was beautiful. Sending it out to everyone I know, political persuasion be damned.

56. #56
    On October 17th, 2008 at 6:04 pm, gippergirl said:

    May God and His Angels comfort Army Specialist Fortunato’s family during this difficult time.

    Thank you for defending freedom.

    And yes, in honor of Fortunato, one great big F&*K YOU to the bad guys out there…

57. #57
    On October 17th, 2008 at 6:05 pm, cicerokid said:

    God bless the family of our fallen.

    Did you read what the man wrote, LGM? You are free to leave, now.

58. #58
    On October 17th, 2008 at 6:25 pm, josetheguerilla said:

    Army Specialist Stephen Fortunato. R.I.P. God bless his family.

    /s/

    jose

59. #59
    On October 17th, 2008 at 6:34 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    Luke 11:21 –

    When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace.

    Thank you, Specialist Fortunato. Thank you for telling it like it is. Rest in peace.

60. #60
    On October 17th, 2008 at 6:35 pm, rightisright said:

    As I sit here with tears rolling down my cheeks, I find myself filled with sorrow for the loss of an American soldier…if not for his kind there would be no freedom in America.
    May his family find peace knowing what wonderful human being he was…a true American Hero.

    tuffy, may the best be with you and your man, thank you for your sacrifices.

61. #61
    On October 17th, 2008 at 6:41 pm, CantCureStupid said:

    Madam Crawford,

    Please accept my humble and truly inadequate condolences for the loss of your brave son.

    He is not alone. The vast majority of us who are called to fight understand the risks, and the costs. Your son is my brother in arms… I will pray for your family, and for his sacrifice to this great nation.

62. #62
    On October 17th, 2008 at 6:46 pm, brooklyn red said:

    I just don’t feel that I am worthy to comment, so the post that found most approiate was: gippergirl said:
    May God and His Angels comfort Army Specialist Fortunato’s family during this difficult time.Thank you for defending freedom.And yes, in honor of Fortunato, one great big F&*K YOU to the bad guys out there…

    Yeah, that pretty much covers it…

63. #63
    On October 17th, 2008 at 6:57 pm, rocketman said:

    May God bless Stephan Fortunato’s soul, and may He bless his family. I pray daily for our military and others who defend us, protect us, and give liberty to many others.

    These young men and women are America’s finest. I served in the U.S. Army 44 years ago–never in combat–and have worked with and known many who served in combat in Europe, the South Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, and the gulf war. I get highly incensed when I hear losers running down our military–usually those who never wore the uniform.

    Wait until the O’Bummer withdraws the U.S. from the world stage–just see which other country would free Europe from the Kaiser or Hitler, or which other country would remove the Japanese imperialists from Asia–not to mention rebuilding their countries, feeding them, and giving them democracy. Ditto for Iraq and Afghanistan. You’re on your own in the future little European / Asian buddies–see if bashing America will help you with the Russians, Chinese, or Jihadists. We’ll send you some bandaids and get well cards–and we’ll talk pretty at the U. N. as you go under.

    Good Job, Stephen–may God rest your soul.

    John Bibb

64. #64
    On October 17th, 2008 at 6:58 pm, sandyb said:

    My sympathies to Betty and the Fortunato family. I never cease to be amazed at the level of surety and eloquence these soldiers possess. Sgt. Fortunato was no exception.

    I daresay the fondest wish of fans of MM would be to see a giant stadium filled with Code Pink types (tied to their seats and gagged, of course) all there to listen to John McCain or Sarah Palin deliver a dose of reality with the reading of the sargeant’s letter. Welcome to reality, Obamunists!

65. #65
    On October 17th, 2008 at 7:00 pm, starlightwoman said:

    May this brave young soldier rest in peace. I had heard about this when the woman that sits next me received a call from her son called her from Iraq to let her know he was alright. He’s in the same batallion.

66. #66
    On October 17th, 2008 at 7:07 pm, tre said:

    Theodore Roosevelt:

    “It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong men stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiams, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

    Go with God. Army Specialist Stephen Fortunato, your duty is done here.

67. #67
    On October 17th, 2008 at 7:09 pm, GJCorby said:

    Brings to mind the World War II film “Why We Fight” (Those of you who have had a nonliberal history lesson should be familiar with this movie)
    Godspeed Specialist, my prayers are with you.

68. #68
    On October 17th, 2008 at 7:13 pm, shanimal said:

    R.I.P. Specialist Fortunato

    Thank you Michelle for helping to spread this story.

69. #69
    On October 17th, 2008 at 7:29 pm, love2rumba said:

    Send_Me said:

    Well said, sir.

70. #70
    On October 17th, 2008 at 7:29 pm, xplodeit said:

    R.I.P. Specialist Fortunato and thank you.

71. #71
    On October 17th, 2008 at 7:38 pm, CO2 Producer said:

    Damn, that was good. And the Globe‘s video was especially poignant.

    I had the honor of briefly meeting a soldier the other day whose sentiments sounded similar to Spc. Fortunato’s, and he’s on his way back to Iraq at this moment. He knows our country has to keep fighting. The beer I bought for him in gratitude just seemed terribly insufficient.

72. #72
    On October 17th, 2008 at 7:39 pm, DagneyT said:

    Grieving with your mom, but rejoicing you are with the Lord Jesus, Spec. Fortunato. May God bless and comfort your family.

73. #73
    On October 17th, 2008 at 7:40 pm, rightside said:

    America! [expletive deleted] yeah!

74. #74
    On October 17th, 2008 at 7:57 pm, jasetaro said:

    Godspeed Specialist.

75. #75
    On October 17th, 2008 at 8:09 pm, TXGator said:

    Thank you, Mrs. Crawford, for the sacrifice you have laid on the altar of freedom.
    Thank you, Specialist, for standing up when duty called.
    American heroes both.

76. #76
    On October 17th, 2008 at 8:47 pm, RADRuss said:

    /me salutes.

    Nuff said.

77. #77
    On October 17th, 2008 at 8:51 pm, GJCorby said:

    Day is done, gone the sun
    From the hills, from the lake, from the sky
    All is well, safely rest;
    God is nigh.
    -Taps

78. #78
    On October 17th, 2008 at 9:08 pm, ammo john said:

    If you’d like to leave a comment that his family may read, you can go here. A quick registration is all that’s needed:

    http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/998259/view/topic/Default.aspx

79. #79
    On October 17th, 2008 at 9:14 pm, St. Louis Blue said:

    RIP and Godspeed!

    Note to Murtha, Pelotas, Obam-uh, et. al.:
    That’s how a real man lives his life.

80. #80
    On October 17th, 2008 at 9:23 pm, travlinman said:

    Dear God in Heaven, please make sure that Stephen Forunato gets this message.

    thanks,
    travlinman

    To Army Specialist Stephen Fortunato:

    May the God of All keep you in His arms and in His loving care as you have now laid your burdens down and gone to your eternal peace. Thanks for your sacrifice. You have helped to make our country a little bit safer for me and my family. Your passing has brought sadness and more than a few tears to those who knew and loved you. Rest assured that they will be comforted in the knowledge that you did not die in vain, and that you will not be soon forgotten. You are an American soldier. The best there is, period. You are the kind of son a man would be proud to call his own, the kind of boy a man would like to see his daughter bring home to meet her mother, and the kind of man who stood up for what he believes in. You have given the ultimate sacrifice and therefore have left this world with a wealth that is far greater than most of us can imagine. A wealth measured in gratitude, respect, sacrifice and most importantly, in the amount of love that you have shown toward your fellow man.

    In the words of Christ our Savior from John 15:13 – Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. What more could He give to us?

    How true as you have given your all.

    Amen.

81. #81
    On October 17th, 2008 at 10:37 pm, zyzzyg said:

    Specialist Fortunato’s service and sacrifice should be honored. May his family and friends find the warmth and comfort necessary to make it through this with the strength he had.

    I only wish these questions would be answered by those who can. Which of our freedoms are at risk? And, how could those freedoms be taken away by Bin Laden? Why suggest that you should love America, or leave it? Would you move out of your house if there were a crack in the wall and complained about it? No, you would fix the crack. If there is something wrong with America you should complain and then fix it.

82. #82
    On October 17th, 2008 at 10:38 pm, sfcmac said:

    Someone needs to personally hand a copy of that journal entry to Harry (white flag) Reid and John (the troops are murderers) Murtha.

    Rest easy, Soldier.

83. #83
    On October 17th, 2008 at 11:35 pm, jangar said:

    No further comments required, Sir. Thank you Specialist Stephen Fortunato.

84. #84
    On October 18th, 2008 at 1:13 am, Speakup said:

    “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”

    General George Patton

85. #85
    On October 18th, 2008 at 2:45 am, Cosmo said:

    They say Marines don’t die, they just go to hell to regroup–well, I have strong feeling that Stephen is “regrouping” right now–except for the “hell” part.

    Thank you Spec. Fortunato. Thank you to you and your family. Thank you to the thousands of others just like you who are risking it all so I can sit home on a Friday night and watch movies with my kids. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

    And may God bless you, your soul and your family eternally.

86. #86
    On October 18th, 2008 at 6:03 am, dhalls said:

    A true American son.

87. #87
    On October 18th, 2008 at 6:53 am, FamilyMan said:

    That’s the America I know.

88. #88
    On October 18th, 2008 at 7:12 am, zeroangel said:

    Rock on. Very well said.

    He will no doubt be remembered well.

89. #89
    On October 18th, 2008 at 9:06 am, JDinTX said:

    We appreciate your service and sacrifice. I can only hope that the service and sacrifice of all soldiers is not in vain when B. Hussein Obama pulls everyone from the war and gives up on the freedoms of others and tries to make us lose ours.

90. #90
    On October 18th, 2008 at 9:30 am, kcnut said:

    Rip fortunato sir may god bless you and damned those who want to crush our country and increase the hate of our troops and people like mike steele sarah palin and joe the plumber and my mom and dad.

91. #91
    On October 18th, 2008 at 9:32 am, flaming_o said:

    I deeply thank God for the gift of Stephen Fortunato and all like him.

92. #92
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:25 am, pinkpolkadot said:

    Thank you for your patriotism and service to this country. You are a very brave man. God bless you and your family.

93. #93
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:29 am, DBNinKY said:

    God bless you, Army Specialist Stephen Fortunato. R.I.P. We are eternally grateful.

    Blessings and many thanks to this wonderful family; they are evocative of the American family and its commitment to a higher sense of duty and purpose.

94. #94
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:35 am, Truesoldier said:

    May Specialist Fortunato’s soul rest knowing that his battle will not have been fought in vain and that other valiant soldiers will take up his banner and continue the fight!

    Specialist Fortunato IS the truest of American Hero’s and his words should be forwarded to the many members of Congress lest they forget what is on the line!

95. #95
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:51 am, SapsHaven said:

    I’m sort of humbled by his words. I think I will try to re-read them regularly.
    Regards

96. #96
    On October 18th, 2008 at 1:00 pm, ssnark said:

    “That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
    Let him depart; his passport shall be made
    And crowns for convoy put into his purse:
    We would not die in that man’s company
    That fears his fellowship to die with us.
    This day is called the feast of Crispian:
    He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
    Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
    And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
    He that shall live this day, and see old age,
    Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
    And say ‘To-morrow is Saint Crispian:’
    Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
    And say ‘These wounds I had on Crispin’s day.’
    Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
    But he’ll remember with advantages
    What feats he did that day: then shall our names.
    Familiar in his mouth as household words
    Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
    Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
    Be in their flowing cups freshly remember’d.
    This story shall the good man teach his son;
    And Crispin Crispian shall ne’er go by,
    From this day to the ending of the world,
    But we in it shall be remember’d;
    We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
    For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
    Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
    This day shall gentle his condition:
    And gentlemen in England now a-bed
    Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,”
    William Shakespeare, Henry V Act III.

    I think this says all but one thing.

    To absent comrades!

97. #97
    On October 18th, 2008 at 2:27 pm, longbow said:

    I salute you, Stephen, and am proud of you – a true hero. Your life and your words are an inspiration to me, thank you for helping to keep us free and strong. I wish you did not have to lose your life. There are people here who you died for who neither appreciate nor deserve nor understand your sacrifice.

    Rest in Peace, I know there is a special place in Heaven for those like you who lay down their lives for a good and just cause.

98. #98
    On October 18th, 2008 at 4:38 pm, Jarhead said:

    I will Devote at my 5:30 PM Mass today to SPC Stephen Fortunato . He is with our Lord Jesus in heaven. My God comfort his family in their time of lose. I will also light two more candles tonight one for him and the other for his family. May God Bless them all. Semper Fi from this old Marine, Army SPC Stephen Fortunato you did your country proud, now may you R.I.P.

99. #99
    On October 18th, 2008 at 5:58 pm, K2 said:

    God Bless Specialist Fortunato. RIP.

    A heartfelt thank you to the Fortunato family and may the hand of God give you comfort.

100. #100
     On October 18th, 2008 at 7:45 pm, emjem24 said:

     RIP, Specialist Fortunato.

     We need more people like you. Too few people understand what it means to be an American and too many are willing to part with their integrity, even their very freedom, for a bag of coin.

     You will be missed. And you won’t be forgotten. I will mention you in my prayers and light a candle in remembrance.