Remembering the dead and debating the war
When Arlynn Palacio posted July 4th about her nephew Army Specialist Rel A. Ravago, 21 of Glendale, she sparked a debate about why we were at war. Ravago was killed in action in Iraq in November 2003 when his vehicle was attacked by a mob.
Palacio, who signed her post "Rel's aunt who aches for him" wrote:
"AS WE CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY, LET US NOT FORGET THAT WE CONTINUE TO ENJOY OUR FREEDOM BECAUSE OF THOSE WHO GAVE UP THEIRS.
PLEASE JOIN ME AS I CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF ONE OF THEM, AN EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG MAN WHO REMINDS ME DAILY THAT FREEDOM DOESN'T COME FREE."Later that day "anomous" wrote:
"I am sorry for your loss and he was a brave man, but your statement about protecting our freedom would be true if only he had died actually protecting us from a country who hurt us. How long will the Iraq connection to 911 lie go on?"
To which Palacio responded:
"With all due respect to your comment…but, this space is too small to elaborate on my statement. The sole intention was to commemorate my nephew’s 5th year death anniversary this year by remembering not just him but everyone who gave up his/her all, be it in blind faith or not. I am not here to widen a rift on this issue. The ONLY truth my whole family and I know is that there is not one day that we are spared from the pain of not ever going to have the chance to welcome him back home alive after having served our country. Although we have days better than others, we have yet to experience the feeling of a healing wound. Rel did not die believing that he was 'actually…' but in what he actually believed was his duty to do."
Another reader, who signed the post as a soldier who had served two tours in Iraq also weighed in:
"To Anonymous comments. First Iraq has nothing to do with 911. 911 was cause by Al-Qaeda's network consist of Saudi, Yemen, Somalis and other foreign nationals which Taliban giving them safe haven in Afghanistan. Iraq, well its another issue whether you agree to it or not. Indenpendence was won by blood by our founding fathers. The founding fathers believe that in order for them to be free from England was to fight for its Freedom. Iraq is pretty much the same way. Since Saddam was to strong everyone that was oppose to the regime was dealt with right away. Living and fighting in Iraq for 2 years and ending up with a disability. I would not hesitate to go again to be with my band of brothers. Be greatful that you live in America that is being protected by my band of brothers. Also when you see a soldier in uniform thank them for keeping the bad guys from coming over to America's soil so you don't have to go to malls, movie house, and restuarant were a suicide bomber explode themselves. Be thankful that you are not sitting in traffic were a car all of a sudden explode next to you. As for me I have live through that for 2 years and fighting also. So be thankful for your freedom that you are able to express your opinion. FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE IT HAS BEEN PAID BY OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WITH THEIR BLOOD, AND SOLDIERS BEFORE US AND SOLDIER AFTER US FREEDON WILL STILL BE PAID BY BLOOD WHO BELIEVES IN OUR FREEDOM."
To read more about the more than 500 Californians killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq--and see what other people have said on the memorial pages--visit California's War Dead database at latimes.com/wardead.
--Megan Garvey
