On this day of Veterans Day 2008, to Captain Justin Peterson, and all Marines and their families:
Thank you for your courage, thank you for your sacrifice, and thank you for standing up when your nation needed you.
We appreciate the commitment to our country that the Marines and their families have made. Our nation is blessed because our liberties have been defended by brave men and women in the past and we are blessed to have brave men and women defend our liberties today.
By law, Veterans Day is set aside to honor our nation's military veterans both living and dead, who served in time of war. The focal point for national observance is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. At 11:00 am on 11 November, a color guard that includes all military services executes "Present Arms." The President of the United States lays a wreath upon the tomb, steps back, and salutes. A bugler plays Taps. A grateful nation has not forgotten. The Marine's Prayer Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Semper Fi Once a Marine, Always a Marine
Burial / Honorable Military Burial Captain Peterson
Great Lakes National Cemetery 4200 Belford Road Holly, MI 48442 (248) 328.0386
Remembering Justin / Dave Colliver (high school friend )
I am extremely sad to have found this site as I knew Justin as a high school friend/soccer teammate. He was our soccer goalie my junior year his senior year. I looked up to Justin and I knew he was a leader and that is how he conducted himself on and off the field. Justin was a good man in high school and I always remember him with a smile and a laugh. I never was in touch with Justin after high school but I know he was a great Marine. He was the kind of person that makes me proud to be an American.
It is with deep regret to have learned of Justin's passing. I just want to pass along my condolences to Justin's family and friends. I'm very sorry I am writing this so late. He will be missed.
Dave Close
I have taken the initiative to take down the mural here at Korean Village in the anbar providence in iraq and attempt to take it back to the states. Its about 300 lbs and its about 8 foot in length and 4 in height.
It doesn't matter how much time goes by the loss of Captain Justin Peterson will always be felt. I will never forget the way he turned an ordinary school day into a string of humorous events. He could shoot a glance and make everyone bust up laughing...knowing the tease that was behind it. I can't tell you the number of time I walked around school barefoot because he stole my shoes or the times I spent covering his tracks so he wouldn't get in trouble!!
Today Justin's big brown eyes live on in his children. His courage & bravery are modeled amazingly through his wife and his sense of tease is showing inself in his sweet Caitlyn. I'm so thankful for a God that promises new life one day. I can't wait to watch the reunions of this great man and his family and friends...he'll surly find some way to pull a prank on us when it happens but it gives us something to look forward to.
We have not forgotten Justin's sacrafice the sacrifice of his wife children parents brothers & sisters. He is a hero. One for whom we are blessed to have known.
Happy Birthday Marine / Michael Giannetti (A Marine )Read >>
Happy Birthday Marine / Michael Giannetti (A Marine )
10-Nov-2008
I have been e-mailing some Marines today because I wanted some motivation being the birthday and all then I thought about what happened to me this summer…
It was a Friday in early June, I had the day off so I figured I’d go to some garage sales. After 3-4 hours driving around in the country a bit disappointed because I had not found any great finds so I headed home. As I tried to figure out the best way to get home I saw another garage sale sign and figured what the hell…..
As I pulled up to the house it did not appear to have anything I wanted but I saw a Marine Corps sticker on the Jeep… those things are like magnets to me… I had to meet the Marine… out where I live I don’t come across to many brothers.
As I parked my car I saw a young lady riding the mower and young boy watching the garage and grandma doing some chores. I walked up to the boy and asked him who was the Marine? He proudly responded, “My Daddy!” I asked him if his daddy was home and before he could answer grandma came around the corner and said, “His daddy never came home.”
I was puzzled at first – never made it home... then it hit me. A bit shaken I introduced myself as a retired Marine and offered my condolences. I asked his name, and by this time the young lady was off the mower walking towards us and she said “Peterson, Captain Justin Peterson.”
I almost fainted because I knew that name very well. You see right after I retired I took a job at the Great Lakes National Cemetery and I always took special care of the Marine graves making sure the headstones were spotless and straight. As a new cemetery we only had a handful of active-duty burials and Captain Peterson was one of those.
I relayed that information to the Mrs. Peterson and expressed how sorry I was for her loss – at this point I was almost in tears – she told me, “Don’t feel bad, don’t feel sorry….. Justin died doing something he loved – he loved being a Marine!”
We talked for a few minutes more and I had to leave. Driving home I went over what I had just heard and a feeling of pride came over me. Marines and their Families are truly a special breed.
Always Thinking of Him. / To Capt. Peterson (Thinking of you. )Read >>
Always Thinking of Him. / To Capt. Peterson (Thinking of you. )
They say memories are golden well maybe that is true We never wanted memories, We only wanted you. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place no one could ever fill. If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane, We'd walk the path to heaven and bring you back again.
You will be missed. . . . / Mark Davis (College Friend )Read >>
You will be missed. . . . / Mark Davis (College Friend )
Indeed, how do we thank those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Justin, you have served your country to the fullest. You are the bravest of the brave. My cousin was killed in Iraq last year and i grieve his passing as i do yours. Yet, I celebrate what you stood for and for what you defended. If only we all had your heart and courage, just imagine what this country would be.
My sincere condolences to your family. May the Lord be with you and comfort you in your hours of grief. Justin, your honor lives among us.
Happy Birthday Justin! / Donna And Mike Doran Read >>
Happy Birthday Justin! / Donna And Mike Doran
Hay Justin!... Happy Birthday!! Our family misses you so very much! We miss your smiling face and your humor. We miss all of your phone calls and your many emails. We miss the wine parties and smoking cigars that you graced us with. We Miss You! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN!! Donna & Mike Doran
Your 33rd Birthday / Anonymous
We celebrate your life today...and everyday! Close
We are missing a great guy from ur pressence / John HARDEE (friend)Read >>
We are missing a great guy from ur pressence / John HARDEE (friend)
We had so many good times with other Marines at Cherry Point when he was here. He did a lot of farm work to help my father and I out, then we would head to the Dirty Shame for some fun. I remember carrying my truck and a U-Haul trailer up to his house in Michigan when he moved out of base housing and his family giving me such a warm welcome. Then we went to see Jared...what a smile he and Jared had; I am grateful to have that picture amoungst many more. I will never forget when my dad passed away he had just gotten to Michigan to house hunt for his new orders, but he turned around and came straight back and helped me through a very tough time in many ways. The fun Lt. Adam Lefringhouse, Justin & I had living together was/is undescribable. Pictures as they say are definately priceless. To his ENTIRE FAMILY: I left a message before to you, but it got deleted...so again my sympathy, along with you know how to get in touch if you would like to for any reason, but especially for pictures. He will be missed greatly. JOHN
Our Fallen Friend and Hero / Ryan Foerch (Buddy from Taylor )
I knew Justin from Taylor University. From the little I knew of him, he was living his dream. From the bottom of my heart, I grieve with you all. Thank you Justin for serving our country. It is because of you, and men like you that we are free. We will never forget your sacrifice. I know that God opened the gates of Heaven and welcomed you home.
To Justin's family, I am so sorry for all of you. We are all lucky to have called him friend. May God wrap his hands around you and give you His peace.
To all the other Men and Women of our Military, thank you for keeping us free. You are the best and bravest among us. You serve our country with courage, despite the sacrifice that you may be called to make.
I'm sorry this is so late. / Matt Book (College Friend )
Patty, I can't express how sorry I was to hear about your loss. I didn't stay in touch with Justin, but I didn't forget him. I always liked him, and I always respected him. I've been praying for you and the kids.
Tributes and Condolences
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