The Death of a Soldier…The Life of a Patriot
Well the tributes are just beginning but it seemed only fitting that our dear friend Frank Salvato at the New Media Journal should be one of the first to write about Eddie since he was the one who published Eddie.
Frank emailed me either late Wednesday or early Thursday and asked if there was a recording of Eddie having read his article Hope Rides Alone; Frank was receiving inquiries about it. I told him we had actually planned on doing so but we never did. I told Frank because of his actor’s voice that he would be the perfect candidate and I believed it would honor Eddie to have Frank read it. Frank not only did that but he wrote a stirring tribute to our Eddie that has forever immortalized Eddie’s contribution to life, our country, and to humanity.
You can read Frank’s tribute to Eddie, “The Death of a Soldier…The Life of a Patriot” and listen to the tribute on NMJ radio.
September 21st, 2007 at 9:41 pm
There are no words. Eddie’s have said everything. Listening to his words from NMJ radio is almost too moving to bare. I wish that the President himself could hear them for his own edification.
Thank you Eddie.
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:35 am
Dear Brother Dave,
I have always been moved by your sons writing. I was saddened by the news of your sons death. I was inspired to write the following poem. I sent you this poem, but I thought maybe your readers would draw some comfort from it as well.
May your son rest in peace, his hope realized, in the arms of his Savior,
Cliff Jones
Eddie Rides With Jesus
In a dangerous, deadly, hostile land,
Rode a brave and courageous man.
He fought evil and despair,
Around every corner, everywhere.
He had ideals, dreams and goals,
Keeping his men alive and whole.
Sgt. Eddie loved his brave men,
And fought to get them home again.
He wrote from his heart so deep,
From his pain and made us weep,
For the truth he penned cut like a knife,
To the heart and soul of American life.
We suffer not as our soldiers die,
We go on our way and pass by,
The crippled veteran, the sad bride,
Whose husband bled and died.
Our soldiers give their blood, their life,
In an effort to end the horrible strife,
Should not we support and care for them,
As they fight to protect us from harm?
Let us change! Start something new!
Show our troops we love them too!!
Let’s get off our duffs, get busy now,
And show them we know when and how!
Send them cards, cookies and cheer,
Do it from our hearts and sincere.
Love them and let them know we care,
In every way, and all through the year!!
Sgt. Eddie has not died in vain,
His cause is ours, we will remain,
Faithful to the dreams he held so dear,
Freedom, freedom both far and near.
Sgt. Eddie has left the scene,
He rests with Jesus, so serene,
His duty done, in a distant land,
His hope has reached a peaceful end.
Eddie’s hope no longer rides alone,
He rides with Jesus, no more groans,
His head held high, feeling joy unbounded,
Through streets of gold with angels surrounded.
We miss you Eddie, wish you were here,
But we know God has called you up there.
Rest well Eddie, your mission is completed,
God’s love for you will never be depleted.
Father in Heaven, Please hold Eddie close to your heart,
Comfort him for us, even though we are apart.
Thanks for the years he lived with us too,
May his life bring great glory and honor to you.
We ask this in the Powerful Name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and by his shed blood, in the Power of the Holy Spirit, Amen and Amen
Cliff Jones September 19, 2007
September 22nd, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Actually Dave- it was by reading Frank’s incredible tribute that I learned about Eddie. It was a beautiful article- and I had to agree with everything Mr. Salvo wrote. It made me bawl. I am so proud- I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of someone I never met- nor touched quite like this either. I’m sure many agree when I say I feel like I lost a brother- one of my best friends. That might seem a little selfish, and strange even since I never met him- but it is the way I feel. I’m going to go listen now. Thank you so much. God Bless- Carolyn