Today is September 11th, and it is a day very dear to me. I remember September 11, 2001, and the day wasn't as significant for me as it should've been, but due to the course of that day, one way or another, I lost a friend, and as I feel, family. I've always considered myself American. My parents may be of Asian descent, but their birth gives no bearing on mine. To serve in the military is in my opinion, one of the most honorable things to do, and one of the most important. To serve for country, community, and code, there is no higher calling.

Let me tell you a story:

The individual in question is Lance Corporal Jeremiah Edward Savage. In some respects, he reminds me greatly of myself. He was manager of a sports team (basketball) and liked running track. He loved toy guns and he had always wanted to be a Marine, and straight out of high school, he started basic training, and married a mother of two. Before he deployed as a mortarman, his third child was born.

I met Jeremiah out on a whim through the Internet and we started a very brief email correspondence. Due to the inflexibility of his schedule, we would talk frequently, and then later, none at all. We talked about many things. Family was important to him. He loved his family and his community. He loved to serve. Country was important to him. He loved America. The Marines were important. It was his life. When he was deployed, I knew I would not be able to talk to him for a while.

I only recently found out he had died. His wife had gotten access of his email and noticed our correspondence. We talked, and I realized he died over 2 years ago. He died in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq giving candy and Frisbees out to children. He was a mortarman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He participated in numerous raids and he fought honorably and courageously.

Those who have my AIM SN, you may have seen these words:

"SIEMPRE FIEL, SEMPER FIDELIS, SEMPER PARATUS, DE OPPRESSO LIBER, SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!"
"Always faithful (once in Spanish, once more in Latin), Always Prepared, To Liberate the Oppressed, Death to all Tyrants"

He always ended his emails in these words. They are important to me, as they should be to you.

Jeremiah E Savage
LCPL USMC
10-10-1982

Take today to remember what happened 5 years ago. While you may not agree with the current administration, do not forget what has happened and what has been accomplished overseas. You may not think what we are doing is the best course of action today, but it is done, and evil has been fought, and good has prevailed. If anything, take LCpl Savage's sacrifice as an example. He knew the risks, its part of the job, but he wouldn't have had it any other way.

Someday, I may join the military, and I will be doing it with the knowledge that for the safety, security, and welfare of America and it's population, there is no better way of devoting my life.

Eric Chu: Proud American
9/11/2006