PFC Mark A. Barbret
November 6, 1981 ~ October 14, 2004
April 03, 2005 - MESSAGE TO AMERICA
The story of my oldest son-an army man: handsome, brave, sensitive,
patriotic, full of life and fun and love….
PFC Mark A. Barbret, my oldest son, died on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 in
Ramadi, Iraq, He volunteered for the Quick Reaction Force (QRF). His
humvee was protecting the returning soldiers from an all night mission
when an insurgent activated the improvised explosive device (IED). He
died instantly that day, within seconds, gone forever. I’ll never fully
understand. Why him? Why us? Such sadness, such bad luck, so unreal.
Mark enlisted to support his baby son, Christian. He loved Christian very
much. He wanted his son to be proud of him. When he showed his army
buddies Christian’s picture, they all said the same thing-“Mark, he has
your eyes.” Mark would always reply, “He has my heart too.”
Something transformed my oldest son during basic training at
Fort Benning, Ga. He loved the discipline and how he was challenged
daily and he realized, for the first time in his life, how much he could
accomplish and endure. He loved the army. He finally found his niche
in life amongst all the strong, focused, patriotic, disciplined, and heroic
men and women of the United States Army.
I believe the happiest day of his short 22 year life was graduation day
from basic training: April 10, 2003.
Then he was off to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for mechanic training.
Again he realized how capable and focused he could be. Another proud day: Graduation from A.l.T.-June 12,
2003.
After AIT graduation, waiting to leave. Mark's AIT Sergeant. The pride and strength shows.
Mark and Dad, Kim,
at Myrtle Beach
after AIT graduation,
Summer of 2003.
On his way
to Korea.
Then off to Korea for a year at Camp Howze. He worked in the mechanic pool and made many trips out in the
field to train in order to be prepared to defend South Korea if North Korea became aggressive.
Mark thought he would be returning to the states after his year in Korea, July 2003
through July 2004, but President Bush had other plans…..
To the left, is Mark's deployment photo prior to going to war in Iraq.
He was home on his last leave, before being sent to be trained to fight in Iraq.
During his last leave at home he had fun, stayed out all night, and enjoyed his
family and friends. The night before he left was his sister’s high school graduation
party, June 11, 2004. He wore his uniform to the party (for about an hour, I insisted!).
He looked so handsome and strong. I was so proud of him that night. He was leaving
for war the next day and he showed no fear, just youthful energy, happiness, pride,
a handsome smiling face, and love for his family, his friends, and his country.
Mark's last night home at his
sister's graduation with cousins
Emily, Scott, Melissa and Jim.
Mark with brother Paul, Grandma Barbret and her Grandson
and sister Stephanie.
I didn’t “GET IT”. I was scared when we said good-bye at
the airport, but he was going to do mechanic work. He
would be fine. We didn’t cause a scene, tried not to hold on
too tight or cry too hard. We watched him go through airport
security and then he was gone, forever….
We “GET IT” now! Iraq was, and still is, full of people who
hate American Soldiers. One of them killed my son.
War is HELL. It is ugly and unbearable and traumatic and
lonely and sad. My family and I “GET IT” and we want to
educate everyone in our great land- The United States of
America.
We personally know the courage, strength, conviction,
honor, loyalty, endurance and patriotism our troops are
made of. They have a bond with each other that is truly
amazing. Something us civilians can only slightly
understand. Because of this bond my son didn’t want to stay
“inside” the walls of his Camp, he volunteered to go out on
missions to protect and serve his fellow troops, to protect and
serve his son Christian, and to protect and serve all of us back
home in America. Mark living up to the meaning of his name
- Mighty Warrior and Strong Defender -
Before he left for a long convoy into Ramadi he e-mailed home: “Mom, these convoys get many attacks, so can
you do something for me? If something happens over here, and I should die, put ‘FOR MY COUNTRY’ above
my name on my tombstone, and fly the American Flag in front of the house all day and night, no matter what
the weather is like, and give my Army ring to Christian.” I replied that I would do everything he asked, but
added “ Don’t think negative, you know what a worrier I am, and I am not worried. You are going to be
fine…….”
My oldest son was preparing to go into war and die for his country, and I didn’t “GET IT”. I get it now. My
husband, Mark’s Dad, and Stephanie, Mark’s 18 year old sister, and Paul, Mark’s 17 year old brother and
Christian, Mark’s three year old son, and countless family, and friends, and neighbors-they all get it now…….
Mural on Wall of Battalion Headquarters,
Monument at Romeo Cemetary Ft. Carson honoring Mark and two
Final Resting Place other heroes that died with Mark.
"FOR MY COUNTRY"
We all understand the heroism and sacrifice of all our military, past and present. They are truly amazing men
and women whom we cannot praise, thank, and remember enough.
Shelby
Township's
War Memorial
with Mark's
name added.
Tool Box donated to Eisenhower High
School Auto Shop in honor of Mark.
Why did it take this horrible event in my life for me to understand what an American Soldier is all about? I am
ashamed and feel so ignorant and I will share these feelings with everyone I can. Please, all Americans, try to
comprehend how much we owe these courageous men and women of the United States Military. Don’t wait
until a soldier knocks on your front door at 7 a.m. on a Friday morning in October to realize the horrors these
troops, past and present, face daily when they are at war protecting our freedom and the American way of life
at home. Don’t be ignorant and blind and dismissive to what these soldiers face-know in your heart that
without them we would not be free today.
And so now I get it. It will be 6 months on April 14 since my oldest son was killed. There has been untold stress
in our home, all of us grieving at different times and in different ways. The pride mixed with the loss has
broken my heart. I miss him so much. Every letter or e-mail I wrote to Mark ended with: Miss ya, Love ya,
Soooo proud of ya, Mom xxxxoooo.
A FAMILY THAT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.
That pretty much sums it up. Overall I know he was doing what he loved, surrounded by the soldiers he
admired…..
I was mostly against the war, but definitely supporting our troops, before this happened. Now I have seen the
election in Iraq in January 2005, and over each smiling Iraqi citizen, while placing their vote in the ballot box,
or showing their purple finger, I saw my son’s smiling face over their shoulders---knowing every vote was
being cast because of him. Because of my oldest son’s Ultimate Sacrifice for their future freedom and
democracy.
My husband and I hope to visit Iraq one day, maybe 10 years from now. We know the exact longitude and
latitude where my son’s humvee exploded. We will stand there, with our hearts still broken with sadness
mixed with pride. We will tell the Iraqi people who we are and who Mark was. They will thank us and hopefully
they will understand what was given up for their freedom.
.......A Mother's Pride & Joy..........................A Father's Pride & Joy.......................A Mother's Pride & Joy.......
Mark had a lot to come home to, but his life is over, but what a legacy he left behind. My oldest son is a true
American Hero, and his son will become an amazing young man and carry on his name, and laughter, and
sense of humor. Christian will be very patriotic, strong, and courageous. He will become a handsome young
man with beautiful blue eyes and a sensitive heart. He will eventually know how it feels to have his heart full
of pride because of his father’s legacy, but he will also know the pain from missing his father:
He will know....
Private First Class Mark Alexander Barbret
44th Engineer Battalion 2nd Infantry
“Broken Heart” Brigade United States Army
Born: November 06, 1981
Died: October 14, 2004
Killed in action serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
God Bless America and the Men and Women of the Armed Forces.
Mark
Always Ready to Smile
Childhood Memories Mark and Paul, not just brothers
Matt, Mark and Beth but best friends.
Mark and Uncle Dave Mark's good friend Patrick Evans
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Uncle Kim & Aunt Angie,
You guys did a wonderful job with this page. I love seeing pictures of Mark
smiling because that is how I will always remember him. I still miss him &
my heart still aches. Here is a song that always makes me think of him:
Who You'd Be Today by Kenny Chesney
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile
I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still can't believe your gone
It ain't fair
You died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that we've been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder
Who you'd be today
Would you see the world
Would you chase your dreams
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Somedays the sky's so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
I know it might sound crazy
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know, I'll see you again someday
Someday, someday...
I miss you & love you Mark, & I always will.
Your Cousin,
Melissa
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This is a wonderful tributed memory and honor you've created of Mark. I'm still finding it difficult to bear the pain I
feel for Marks sacrifice, but more so for the sacrifice for you Kim, Angie, Stephanie, Pauly, and Christian. Your
love, charm, and warmth you share with everyone in your lives was shown through Mark and felt by all. Please
know that we love you and need you in our lives. Your gift and sacrifice to us is eternally entrenched in our hearts.
God Love you and find you always,
Love,
Ken, Zuzana, and Melanie Barbret
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I didn't know it until a couple of days after October 14, 2004, but on that day another person was added to my long
list of heroes. I will always be is awe and appreciative of the patriotism of our young adults who go into the
military to protect us. Throughout my life, Mark A. Barbret will never be forgotten.
Respectfully, Daryl Garrison
-------------------------------
Hi Mark, Just a "Hello" to let you know that it always warms my heart to see your smile in your pictures. You have
such a strong, sweet soul. Diana
---------------------------------------------
To the Family of Mark Barbret,
“…….that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave
the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died
in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of
the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Mark gave “the last full measure of devotion” to this cause….this Freedom that Lincoln talked
about….believing that it was something worth going to the other side of the world to defend. He
recognized that freedom is not a uniquely American ideal. He knew that the desire to be free burns
in the breast of every man of every nation. It is a divine spark that excites human passions like
nothing else. It caused East Germans to take the chance of going across the Berlin Wall. It fueled
the Solidarity revolution in Poland. It incited the Patriots in Boston and Philadelphia to shake their
fists in the face of a king and take their destiny into their own hands.
Mark paid the terrible price that Freedom sometimes exacts. I know that your grief and pain must
be crushing. I know that the words of a stranger provide little comfort for your loss. Let me share
with you what an American that you do know thought about Mark even before he was born……
“…….. And what sort of soldiers are those you are to lead? Are they reliable? Are they brave? Are
they capable of victory? Their story is known to all of you. It is the story of the American man-at-
arms. My estimate of him was formed on the battlefield many, many years ago, and has never
changed. I regarded him then as I regard him now -- as one of the world's noblest figures, not only
as one of the finest military characters, but also as one of the most stainless. His name and fame
are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his love and loyalty, he gave
all that mortality can give.
He needs no eulogy from me or from any other man. He has written his own history and written it in
red on his enemy's breast. But when I think of his patience under adversity, of his courage under
fire, and of his modesty in victory, I am filled with an emotion of admiration I cannot put into words.
He belongs to history as furnishing one of the greatest examples of successful patriotism. He
belongs to posterity as the instructor of future generations in the principles of liberty and freedom.
He belongs to the present, to us, by his virtues and by his achievements. In 20 campaigns, on a
hundred battlefields, around a thousand campfires, I have witnessed that enduring fortitude, that
patriotic self-abnegation, and that invincible determination which have carved his statue in the
hearts of his people. From one end of the world to the other he has drained deep the chalice of
courage.
The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training --
sacrifice.
In battle and in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his Maker
gave when he created man in his own image. No physical courage and no brute instinct can take the
place of the Divine help which alone can sustain him.
However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give
his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind……”General of the Army Douglas
MacArthur Address to the Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point,
NY, 12 May, 1962
Mark, young as he was, understood something that many men twice his age fail to grasp; FREEDOM
ISN’T FREE!! There are evil men in this world that would take our freedom from us and plunge us
into a 7th century Islamic theocracy. Mark stood on the wall and shouted NOT ON MY WATCH!!
What a magnificent young man! How proud you must be to know that you produced a young man of
such sterling character and undaunted courage!
Now he rests in honored glory. He shares the rest of eternity with our Savior, in whom his faith was
well placed. He is at complete and total peace. The burden remains for us to go forward without
him. Though your pain is overwhelming and breathtaking, please be assured that THIS American
Family loves you and thanks you for sacrificing your son on the altar of Freedom on our behalf. I
hope that I can be the kind of man, as a Father, a husband, and as a citizen of the Republic that
Mark died defending, that is worthy of this sacrifice.
God bless you, and may his grace and mercy envelop you for all your days here. May you know his
peace that surpasses all understanding, and may you take some small comfort in knowing that you
will see Mark again in a short while.
My warmest Regards,
Joseph Norman and Family
P.S. Please visit http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/ Mike Reagan is a wonderful Patriot who has
a very special gift to share with you.
November 6, 1981 ~ October 14, 2004
April 03, 2005 - MESSAGE TO AMERICA
The story of my oldest son-an army man: handsome, brave, sensitive,
patriotic, full of life and fun and love….
PFC Mark A. Barbret, my oldest son, died on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 in
Ramadi, Iraq, He volunteered for the Quick Reaction Force (QRF). His
humvee was protecting the returning soldiers from an all night mission
when an insurgent activated the improvised explosive device (IED). He
died instantly that day, within seconds, gone forever. I’ll never fully
understand. Why him? Why us? Such sadness, such bad luck, so unreal.
Mark enlisted to support his baby son, Christian. He loved Christian very
much. He wanted his son to be proud of him. When he showed his army
buddies Christian’s picture, they all said the same thing-“Mark, he has
your eyes.” Mark would always reply, “He has my heart too.”
Something transformed my oldest son during basic training at
Fort Benning, Ga. He loved the discipline and how he was challenged
daily and he realized, for the first time in his life, how much he could
accomplish and endure. He loved the army. He finally found his niche
in life amongst all the strong, focused, patriotic, disciplined, and heroic
men and women of the United States Army.
I believe the happiest day of his short 22 year life was graduation day
from basic training: April 10, 2003.
Then he was off to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for mechanic training.
Again he realized how capable and focused he could be. Another proud day: Graduation from A.l.T.-June 12,
2003.
After AIT graduation, waiting to leave. Mark's AIT Sergeant. The pride and strength shows.
Mark and Dad, Kim,
at Myrtle Beach
after AIT graduation,
Summer of 2003.
On his way
to Korea.
Then off to Korea for a year at Camp Howze. He worked in the mechanic pool and made many trips out in the
field to train in order to be prepared to defend South Korea if North Korea became aggressive.
Mark thought he would be returning to the states after his year in Korea, July 2003
through July 2004, but President Bush had other plans…..
To the left, is Mark's deployment photo prior to going to war in Iraq.
He was home on his last leave, before being sent to be trained to fight in Iraq.
During his last leave at home he had fun, stayed out all night, and enjoyed his
family and friends. The night before he left was his sister’s high school graduation
party, June 11, 2004. He wore his uniform to the party (for about an hour, I insisted!).
He looked so handsome and strong. I was so proud of him that night. He was leaving
for war the next day and he showed no fear, just youthful energy, happiness, pride,
a handsome smiling face, and love for his family, his friends, and his country.
Mark's last night home at his
sister's graduation with cousins
Emily, Scott, Melissa and Jim.
Mark with brother Paul, Grandma Barbret and her Grandson
and sister Stephanie.
I didn’t “GET IT”. I was scared when we said good-bye at
the airport, but he was going to do mechanic work. He
would be fine. We didn’t cause a scene, tried not to hold on
too tight or cry too hard. We watched him go through airport
security and then he was gone, forever….
We “GET IT” now! Iraq was, and still is, full of people who
hate American Soldiers. One of them killed my son.
War is HELL. It is ugly and unbearable and traumatic and
lonely and sad. My family and I “GET IT” and we want to
educate everyone in our great land- The United States of
America.
We personally know the courage, strength, conviction,
honor, loyalty, endurance and patriotism our troops are
made of. They have a bond with each other that is truly
amazing. Something us civilians can only slightly
understand. Because of this bond my son didn’t want to stay
“inside” the walls of his Camp, he volunteered to go out on
missions to protect and serve his fellow troops, to protect and
serve his son Christian, and to protect and serve all of us back
home in America. Mark living up to the meaning of his name
- Mighty Warrior and Strong Defender -
Before he left for a long convoy into Ramadi he e-mailed home: “Mom, these convoys get many attacks, so can
you do something for me? If something happens over here, and I should die, put ‘FOR MY COUNTRY’ above
my name on my tombstone, and fly the American Flag in front of the house all day and night, no matter what
the weather is like, and give my Army ring to Christian.” I replied that I would do everything he asked, but
added “ Don’t think negative, you know what a worrier I am, and I am not worried. You are going to be
fine…….”
My oldest son was preparing to go into war and die for his country, and I didn’t “GET IT”. I get it now. My
husband, Mark’s Dad, and Stephanie, Mark’s 18 year old sister, and Paul, Mark’s 17 year old brother and
Christian, Mark’s three year old son, and countless family, and friends, and neighbors-they all get it now…….
Mural on Wall of Battalion Headquarters,
Monument at Romeo Cemetary Ft. Carson honoring Mark and two
Final Resting Place other heroes that died with Mark.
"FOR MY COUNTRY"
We all understand the heroism and sacrifice of all our military, past and present. They are truly amazing men
and women whom we cannot praise, thank, and remember enough.
Shelby
Township's
War Memorial
with Mark's
name added.
Tool Box donated to Eisenhower High
School Auto Shop in honor of Mark.
Why did it take this horrible event in my life for me to understand what an American Soldier is all about? I am
ashamed and feel so ignorant and I will share these feelings with everyone I can. Please, all Americans, try to
comprehend how much we owe these courageous men and women of the United States Military. Don’t wait
until a soldier knocks on your front door at 7 a.m. on a Friday morning in October to realize the horrors these
troops, past and present, face daily when they are at war protecting our freedom and the American way of life
at home. Don’t be ignorant and blind and dismissive to what these soldiers face-know in your heart that
without them we would not be free today.
And so now I get it. It will be 6 months on April 14 since my oldest son was killed. There has been untold stress
in our home, all of us grieving at different times and in different ways. The pride mixed with the loss has
broken my heart. I miss him so much. Every letter or e-mail I wrote to Mark ended with: Miss ya, Love ya,
Soooo proud of ya, Mom xxxxoooo.
A FAMILY THAT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.
That pretty much sums it up. Overall I know he was doing what he loved, surrounded by the soldiers he
admired…..
I was mostly against the war, but definitely supporting our troops, before this happened. Now I have seen the
election in Iraq in January 2005, and over each smiling Iraqi citizen, while placing their vote in the ballot box,
or showing their purple finger, I saw my son’s smiling face over their shoulders---knowing every vote was
being cast because of him. Because of my oldest son’s Ultimate Sacrifice for their future freedom and
democracy.
My husband and I hope to visit Iraq one day, maybe 10 years from now. We know the exact longitude and
latitude where my son’s humvee exploded. We will stand there, with our hearts still broken with sadness
mixed with pride. We will tell the Iraqi people who we are and who Mark was. They will thank us and hopefully
they will understand what was given up for their freedom.
.......A Mother's Pride & Joy..........................A Father's Pride & Joy.......................A Mother's Pride & Joy.......
Mark had a lot to come home to, but his life is over, but what a legacy he left behind. My oldest son is a true
American Hero, and his son will become an amazing young man and carry on his name, and laughter, and
sense of humor. Christian will be very patriotic, strong, and courageous. He will become a handsome young
man with beautiful blue eyes and a sensitive heart. He will eventually know how it feels to have his heart full
of pride because of his father’s legacy, but he will also know the pain from missing his father:
He will know....
Private First Class Mark Alexander Barbret
44th Engineer Battalion 2nd Infantry
“Broken Heart” Brigade United States Army
Born: November 06, 1981
Died: October 14, 2004
Killed in action serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
God Bless America and the Men and Women of the Armed Forces.
Mark
Always Ready to Smile
Childhood Memories Mark and Paul, not just brothers
Matt, Mark and Beth but best friends.
Mark and Uncle Dave Mark's good friend Patrick Evans
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Uncle Kim & Aunt Angie,
You guys did a wonderful job with this page. I love seeing pictures of Mark
smiling because that is how I will always remember him. I still miss him &
my heart still aches. Here is a song that always makes me think of him:
Who You'd Be Today by Kenny Chesney
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile
I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still can't believe your gone
It ain't fair
You died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that we've been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder
Who you'd be today
Would you see the world
Would you chase your dreams
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Somedays the sky's so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
I know it might sound crazy
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know, I'll see you again someday
Someday, someday...
I miss you & love you Mark, & I always will.
Your Cousin,
Melissa
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This is a wonderful tributed memory and honor you've created of Mark. I'm still finding it difficult to bear the pain I
feel for Marks sacrifice, but more so for the sacrifice for you Kim, Angie, Stephanie, Pauly, and Christian. Your
love, charm, and warmth you share with everyone in your lives was shown through Mark and felt by all. Please
know that we love you and need you in our lives. Your gift and sacrifice to us is eternally entrenched in our hearts.
God Love you and find you always,
Love,
Ken, Zuzana, and Melanie Barbret
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I didn't know it until a couple of days after October 14, 2004, but on that day another person was added to my long
list of heroes. I will always be is awe and appreciative of the patriotism of our young adults who go into the
military to protect us. Throughout my life, Mark A. Barbret will never be forgotten.
Respectfully, Daryl Garrison
-------------------------------
Hi Mark, Just a "Hello" to let you know that it always warms my heart to see your smile in your pictures. You have
such a strong, sweet soul. Diana
---------------------------------------------
To the Family of Mark Barbret,
“…….that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave
the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died
in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of
the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Mark gave “the last full measure of devotion” to this cause….this Freedom that Lincoln talked
about….believing that it was something worth going to the other side of the world to defend. He
recognized that freedom is not a uniquely American ideal. He knew that the desire to be free burns
in the breast of every man of every nation. It is a divine spark that excites human passions like
nothing else. It caused East Germans to take the chance of going across the Berlin Wall. It fueled
the Solidarity revolution in Poland. It incited the Patriots in Boston and Philadelphia to shake their
fists in the face of a king and take their destiny into their own hands.
Mark paid the terrible price that Freedom sometimes exacts. I know that your grief and pain must
be crushing. I know that the words of a stranger provide little comfort for your loss. Let me share
with you what an American that you do know thought about Mark even before he was born……
“…….. And what sort of soldiers are those you are to lead? Are they reliable? Are they brave? Are
they capable of victory? Their story is known to all of you. It is the story of the American man-at-
arms. My estimate of him was formed on the battlefield many, many years ago, and has never
changed. I regarded him then as I regard him now -- as one of the world's noblest figures, not only
as one of the finest military characters, but also as one of the most stainless. His name and fame
are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his love and loyalty, he gave
all that mortality can give.
He needs no eulogy from me or from any other man. He has written his own history and written it in
red on his enemy's breast. But when I think of his patience under adversity, of his courage under
fire, and of his modesty in victory, I am filled with an emotion of admiration I cannot put into words.
He belongs to history as furnishing one of the greatest examples of successful patriotism. He
belongs to posterity as the instructor of future generations in the principles of liberty and freedom.
He belongs to the present, to us, by his virtues and by his achievements. In 20 campaigns, on a
hundred battlefields, around a thousand campfires, I have witnessed that enduring fortitude, that
patriotic self-abnegation, and that invincible determination which have carved his statue in the
hearts of his people. From one end of the world to the other he has drained deep the chalice of
courage.
The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training --
sacrifice.
In battle and in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his Maker
gave when he created man in his own image. No physical courage and no brute instinct can take the
place of the Divine help which alone can sustain him.
However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give
his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind……”General of the Army Douglas
MacArthur Address to the Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point,
NY, 12 May, 1962
Mark, young as he was, understood something that many men twice his age fail to grasp; FREEDOM
ISN’T FREE!! There are evil men in this world that would take our freedom from us and plunge us
into a 7th century Islamic theocracy. Mark stood on the wall and shouted NOT ON MY WATCH!!
What a magnificent young man! How proud you must be to know that you produced a young man of
such sterling character and undaunted courage!
Now he rests in honored glory. He shares the rest of eternity with our Savior, in whom his faith was
well placed. He is at complete and total peace. The burden remains for us to go forward without
him. Though your pain is overwhelming and breathtaking, please be assured that THIS American
Family loves you and thanks you for sacrificing your son on the altar of Freedom on our behalf. I
hope that I can be the kind of man, as a Father, a husband, and as a citizen of the Republic that
Mark died defending, that is worthy of this sacrifice.
God bless you, and may his grace and mercy envelop you for all your days here. May you know his
peace that surpasses all understanding, and may you take some small comfort in knowing that you
will see Mark again in a short while.
My warmest Regards,
Joseph Norman and Family
P.S. Please visit http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/ Mike Reagan is a wonderful Patriot who has
a very special gift to share with you.
HONORING PFC MARK BARBRET
A Message To America
Forever In
Our Thoughts...
A Message To America
Forever In
Our Thoughts...
MilitaryMagnets.com
