Never Forgotten

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”


Philippians 1:3


On this Memorial Day I was watching some news reels of events around the country remembering the sacrifices of our men and women of the armed forces. One reel stood out from the rest. It was from former Navy Seal Jason Redman who was injured while serving our country. He said the best way to remember those who have paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy our BBQ’s and three day weekend is to just take a few minutes and remember a soldier who died for the freedoms we enjoy so that they will never be forgotten. He said go find a website that talks about all the heroic deeds done by brave men and women. Read their story and talk to your kids and grand kids about the sacrifices they made. Say a prayer and thank God for them and pray for their families who lost a son, a daughter, a friend. I thought that was a great idea and something I immediately set out to do.


In the Sermon on The Mount we read in verse nine of chapter five where Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” Peacemakers often times have to use force, even deadly force to overcome evil. Thank God there is a special significance for the peacemakers as there is no higher honor than to be called a son of God. I have a nephew who played professional baseball. His name is Brent Morel. One day years ago as I was looking for some of his latest video footage I came across a Marine by the same name. His name was Brent Morel, also known as Recon Marine Captain Brent L. Morel. Sadly, he was killed in action on April 7, 2004.


I never forgot about him and today I wanted to honor his life by sharing his name and some information I found with you. Here’s what I read just today, “His Navy Cross Citation Reads The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Brent Lee Morel, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Commander, Second Platoon, Company B, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, First Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 7 April 2004.


Captain Morel's platoon escorted a convoy into the Al Anbar Province when 40 to 60 insurgents in well-fortified and concealed positions initiated an ambush. Witnessing a rocket-propelled grenade crippling his lead vehicle and while mortar and machine gun fire erupted, he ordered his remaining two vehicles to secure a flanking position. Captain Morel left his vehicle and led a determined assault across an open field and up a 10-foot berm, in order to maneuver into firing positions.


The boldness of this first assault eliminated several insurgents at close range forcing their retreat. Observing his Marines pinned down from enemy fire, Captain Morel left the safety of his position and continued the assault, eliminating the enemy's attack. During this valiant act, he fell mortally wounded by a withering burst of enemy automatic weapons fire. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Captain Morel reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. #rip  #neverforgotten  #reconmarine  #warfighters  #angel  #resteasy  #warrior


And now you know a little of Captain Morel’s story too! Happy Memorial Day and let’s never forget!



“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”


John 15:13


I LOVE YOU!