WP: Bonded by Loss, Divided by War (Parents of Casualties)

Parents of Casualties in Marine Unit Torn on U.S. Role in Iraq

Monday, June 5, 2006; A03

UNIONTOWN, Ohio -- Bob Derga searches for purpose on a flat terrace behind his house, overlooking the woods. On one side is a weeping cherry tree. On the other, above the Marine Corps seal, is a chiseled stone: "If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever."

Amid the sadness that has looped through his life since the death in Iraq of his only son, Derga has found a spark that drives him to defend President Bush, the war and the troops who are fighting it. He has begun to speak out, urging Americans "to have the guts as a nation to stay the course."

Forty miles north, Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, whose only son lived and died in the same Marine Reserve unit as Derga's son, have also been driven by anguish to speak out. But they do not believe in this war or this president or in staying the course.

They are convinced that their son's life was wasted. They want negotiations to begin, the war to end and the troops to come home.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/04/AR2006060400871.html

Instead it feels better to believe their son is a brave "Hero", and died so all of us can be "free".

Unfortunatley, as consoling as that belief is, it' is helping to aid the belief that more soldier should fight and put their lives on the line.

I'm glad some of the familys are awake and understand their kids died needlessly.

If the ones who support bush really believe their sons are heros they should demand bush put his kids on the line just like they did, as patriots. But of course, they will not hold him accountable for the same ideals bush has held them to. Instead, they will turn a blind eye to the bush family not giving the ultimate price, at the sickening cost of their kids, and act like the medal is some kind of consolation prize. And gross as it is, worship bush.