MA2 Michael A. Monsoor (U.S. Navy)
Almost lost amid the media frenzy surrounding Ambassador Crocker’s and General Petraeus’ testimonies before Congress was a solemn and dignified ceremony at the White House, at which President Bush presented a posthumous Medal of Honor to the parents of Petty Officer Michael Monsoor. Navy Times was there, though, and Phil Ewing wrote a dignified report of the event (click here for the article).
I have written about Petty Officer Monsoor before (Hero of the Week, March 21, 2007). His act of gallantry was almost incomprehensible to mortal man – as his citation reads, “By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country.”
My words are inconsequential, but I invite you to read what President Bush said today (click here for the full transcript and to see a video of the entire ceremony). The Navy’s tribute to him can be seen here.
If you didn’t see the ceremony, you will be captured by the video. It is emotional, solemn, and poignant, and appropriately honors the man who was the manifestation of the word “honor”.
In the words of the President, “One of the survivors puts it this way: ‘”Mikey looked death in the face that day and said, ‘You cannot take my brothers. I will go in their stead.’â€
