Friday, August 8, 2008

Lcpl. Jonathan W. Collins

Angels laid him away. . .*

Lcpl. Jonathan W. Collins, 19; Crystal Lake, Illinois
12/31/84 --
08/08/04
U.S.Marine 2nd BN, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine
Expeditionary Force
One of the last images JonathanW. Collins' parents have of their son is a picture of the Marine surrounded by laughing Iraqi children. "Here he has this huge smile, in the middle of all this nonsense and death and heat," Jack Collins said. "I always looked at that picture as a moment of sanity in an insane situation. . .he loved surrounding
himself with people."
Faces of the Fallen -- Washington Post/Legacy.com

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Bryden is sleeping. His eyes are closed tight.
It's funny how his muscles twitch and make him look funny.
He's beautiful man, i wish you could see him.
Everyday when i see him being held by his mother, it breaks my heart that neither of them will ever get to meet you.
Bryden won't have that cool uncle who will let him drink when he's 16, or take him out to a movie or to the mall and make him feel like he's cool because he is not with his boring lame parents, but with his cool uncle.
Everyday i make sure i hold Bryden up to your USMC photo and point out "That's your uncle, he was a great guy, but he's not here now. When you get older I'll tell you about him."
And Catherine misses you too. Whenever we go to the cemetery, she breaks down and cries. She feels like she knew you.
I miss you everyday.
Bryden is waking up now. Please watch over him and keep him safe.
I'll visit your grave as soon as i can.
I love you.
Take it easy brother, i'll see you soon.


Brandon


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It'll come as no surprise to anyone who's read Jonathan's biographical info and his tributes that kids are the chief beneficiary of the The Lcpl. Jonathan W. Collins Memorial Fund.
Those of you nearby Crystal Lake, Illinois next weekend note that a Walk/Run is scheduled. If you're looking for some recreation among some good folks, I'd say it's a good bet. Info at the website: check it out !
* The childlike wonderment in Mississippi John Hurt's song "Louis Collins" combines with the deceptively simple guitar to make of the meditation something like a reassuring lullaby. The 1928 rendition is courtesy of the Internet Archive.

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