Family, friends, and loved ones, goodevening, and thank you for being here. This evening we are all gathered here to honor corporal Jason L. Dunham, For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Rifle Squad Leader in the Operation Iraq Freedom. It is said that there is no greater reward than the man who lays down his life for his friends. I say there is no greater love than those who give their lives for their country; for people who will never know of their name, or their story.
Tonight, we will take a few minutes to remember Corporal Dunham, for his valiant efforts and for his bravery that truly sets him apart. Not only are we here To grieve his loss with his loved ones, but more importantly to honor the man he was. As you may or may not know, Medal of Honor recipients are rewarded with this medal for risking their lives for their fellow comrads, and many times losing their lives in the process. The amazing thing about these men and women, is that there at no point was any hesitation to willing give themselves for their brothers and sisters.
On April 14th, 2004, Corporal Dunham and his men were on foot heading towards another battalion that needed back up. As they were walking, they saw vehicles that were departing in the same direction, so Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search for weapons. Upon stopping them, Corporal was jumped and fought with that man until he then saw a grenade nearby, pin pulled. With a quick warning to his men, he threw himself over the grenade, as it was seconds away from detonating.
Corporal Dunham saved his men by offering himself.
Upon signing the dotted line as they decide to give themeselves to our country, Im sure no man or woman ever pictures themselves being in that kind situation. However the amazing thing about these people is that they, in all reality, are going in blind, not knowing when the next battle will be theirs to fight. Upon signing the dotted line, they made the decision that The united states of America was worth dying for.
Like his fellow marines, Corporal Dunham underwent months and even years of continuous weapon training, keeping himself in the best physical shape, learning about the equipment he worked with. He learned how to be an efficient leader, how to act and defend not only himself but his devil dogs by his side in a state of war.
Corporal Dunham, possessed something that not all men and women can say they have; courage.
What is courage to you?
1. In the dictionary, it is defined in two ways; The ability to do something that frightens one, and
Strength in the face of pain or grief
