I Got The News Today (IGTNT) , which began in April of 2004, is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos and provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The IGTNT title is a reminder that nearly every day the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
~ Image Credit to llbear with gratitude
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Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of Heaven,
Blossom the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in Evangeline
Honoring and Remembering
Lance Cpl. Franklin N. Watson
Since 2003 we have suffered the loss of 4476 American lives and a total of 4794 Coalition Forces in Iraq.
Since 2001 we have suffered the loss of 1788 American lives and a total of 2744 Coalition Forces in Afghanistan.
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Lance Cpl. Franklin N. Watson, 21, of Vonore, Tennessee
Frankie Watson graduated from Sequoyah High School in 2008 where he played for the football team and performed in several school plays. This week in the school foyer, a memorial table has been set up for Frankie and outside the school sign reads: "In Honor of LCPL Frankie Watson. American Hero".
Prior to joining the Marine Corps in 2010, Watson served as a patrol officer in Madisonville. Outside the police department the flag was at half staff and fellow officers wore black bereavement bands over their badges.
Frankie was too young to die. He had a lot of life to live and a lot of good things to do, but in his time he was just inspirational as far as his attitude and outlook towards life. I think that's something that will carry on. ~ Madisonville Police Chief Gregg Breeden
Before working for the city, Watson was a sheriff's deputy, and he made a mark there, too.
We've got sadness in our heart. We will miss him. Our department will miss him. I've seen a lot of teary eyes and a lot of folks calling me over the weekend. It's just bad, and we hate to see this happen. ~ Sheriff Bill Bivens
Lance Cpl Franklin N. Watson dreamed of one day guarding the President of the United States. He believed that his excelling in the Marine Corps would assist him in achieving that goal.
Watson's family all agree he was one of those rare people that everyone seemed to love.
Family friend, Lowell Russel said a competitive drive prompted Watson to join the Marines. When Russel asked why he chose the Marine Corps, Watson answered:
I wanted to go through the hardest one I could get in.
A cousin, Miriam Watson wrote the following, which the family asked the news media to print:
It takes a real man to do what you've done. You've not only inspired your friends and family, but the world. You showed them that you're brave enough, to risk your own life, to give us freedom. You were our hero before you left, and you still will be. You mean everything in this world to us, and you'll be missed so much. That great personality of yours, that beautiful smile; everything. You were pretty much my brother! You're truly a great young man, who had a brave heart. You stand out, over so many people in this world, Frankie. You had a wonderful heart, and put it to great use! Some people come into our lives and leave footprints in our hearts and we are never ever the same again. You left footprints in my heart, that will always be there. You're in a much better place that this, and with a man who is gonna make everything better for you. I know you wouldn't wanna see me with tears streaming down my face, so I may cry, but I'm gonna keep smiling because that's what you would want, and I'm gonna do exactly what you would hope for, no matter how sad I am, or how much I cry. Although this is my "goodbye" letter, goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you, until we meet again! So, when God is ready for me to see you again, I'll be ready. I love you more than anything in this world, Frankie, and you will be missed!
Lance Cpl. Franklin N. Watson's body will arrive at McGhee Tyson Airport on Saturday morning. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Patriot Guard will escort the casket down Alcoa Highway to Highway 411 South. A family friend says the family would like people to line 411 from Vonore to Madisonville to show their support. They are asking people to wear red, white, and blue and carry American flags.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed yet.
DoD News Release ~ Source ~ Source ~ Source ~ Source
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About the IGTNT series:
"I Got the News Today" is a diary series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifice of our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno, and which is maintained by Sandy on Signal, noweasels, monkeybiz, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, joyful, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Kestrel9000, TheFatLadySings, Ekaterin and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write, but are an important service to those who have died, and show our community’s respect for them.
Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
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POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq
Two U.S. soldiers are currently listed as captured or Duty Status -- Whereabouts Unknown as of December 1, 2009.
Spc. Ahmed K. Altaie 41
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Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl 23
Never forgotten - please keep good thoughts and prayers for these two men.
On December 8, 2010 new photos were published of Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl in captivity. The article and images can be seen here.
The father of Bowe R. Bergdahl released this video on May 6, 2011 in which he appeals for the release of his son.
The Army promoted Bergdahl to the rank of sergeant effective June 12, 2011. This is his second promotion since he was listed as Missing-Captured on June 30, 2009.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.