Photo By Lauren Kurkimilis | Marines from the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School stood outside Oasis...... read more read more
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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Americans will remember Dec. 14, 2012, as the day that one man's actions rocked the small village of Sandy Hook in Newtown, Conn., an act so heinous it rang out across the nation. He chose to take the lives of 20 children and six of the adults protecting them. Even in the Southern Calif. town of Twentynine Palms, a community approximately the size of Sandy Hook, residents experienced the wave of sorrow that spread far and wide from that small East Coast town.
Marines from the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in Twentynine Palms stood outside Oasis Elementary School, Dec. 19 to stand watch over a candlelight vigil. The Marines kept six purple candles and 20 white candles burning in honor of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
“There is nothing we can do or say that will take away the pain, or that could ever take the place, of losing a child,” said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Grant Young, curriculum scheduling officer, MCCES. “But the best we can do, is let them know that we care as fellow citizens and Americans.”
Parents and faculty of Oasis Elementary walked by the young Marines as they watched over the vigil, held on the school's front steps. Most were reminded of their blessings and expressed deep gratitude to the Marines for being there.
“I feel this has been a great opportunity to get involved in the community in a time of need,” said Pfc. Gage Mock, MCCES student. “I have a six year old brother myself and I know that if this had happened to our family, I would be lost.”
Kimberly Savell, the wife of Cpl. Johnathan Savell, Company D, 3rd Assault Amphibian Bn., like many others, found herself wanting to help in some way after the tragedy.
“No amount of money will bring their children back, but they should know that even though we are on the other side of the country, we still support them,” Savell said. “We cry with you.”
Savell reached out to her local community to do her part to try to help Newtown’s families cope. She received donations for supplies, a location to hold the vigil and volunteer Marines to stand watch throughout the entire school day.
“It's probably the most devastating loss someone can suffer, the loss of a child, but the way that these kids died was beyond tragic,” Savell said. “The Marines being out here really shows the importance of doing things like this.”
For most of the Marines, this was their first opportunity to wear their Dress Blue uniforms and stand a special duty out in the community.
“Most of these Marines have been in less than a year,” said Young. “Doing something like this, especially in the shadow of last Friday's events, really brings things home for them. It allows them to understand why they joined and what exactly they are defending.”
One volunteer, an 18-year-old Marine from Denver, Colo., grew up in the wake of the Columbine shootings and says this tragedy really hit home with him.
“When I saw it on the news, it struck a nerve,” said Pfc. David Kozak, MCCES student. “It took everything I had not to break down and cry when they announced the names of the children. But when things like this happen, it's our duty, not just of Marines but everyone, to reach out and support those who need it.”
A strong, cold wind blew that Wednesday morning as the Marines stood outside Oasis Elementary School. They worked tirelessly to keep the flame of each memorial candle lit. Though a small act in a small town, it was a somber, symbolic gesture of their commitment to defend those in need and an expression of solidarity with the community of which they are a part.
Those who lose a spouse are called widows. Those who lose a parent are called orphans. But there is no title to be claimed by those who lose a child. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the community of Newtown.
| Date Taken: | 12.19.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 12.20.2012 16:20 |
| Story ID: | 99622 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US |
| Hometown: | DENVER, CO, US |
| Hometown: | PORT ARTHUR, TX, US |
| Hometown: | PORTLAND, OR, US |
| Hometown: | TAMPA, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 550 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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