On October 17th, we remember not just two Marines, but two brothers-in-arms - warriors who once stood strong in defense of our country, and who now rest in eternal peace. Their service, their courage, and their sacrifices deserve our deepest honor - not only for what they gave on the battlefield, but also for the unseen battles they faced when the uniform came off.
To those who never wore the uniform, it’s hard to understand the weight Marines carry. The discipline, the pride, the constant drive to be strong - even when breaking inside. These two men carried that weight with quiet strength, with loyalty, with love for their fellow Marines and their country. But like too many of our nation’s heroes, they found themselves facing a war that didn’t end when they came home - a war within.
We will not let their names be forgotten. We will speak of them with respect - not defined by the way their lives ended, but by how fiercely they lived, how deeply they loved, and how faithfully they served. Their struggle does not diminish their legacy; it reveals the depth of pain that can exist even in the bravest hearts.
To the families and friends left behind: your grief is shared. Your pain matters. And your loved ones mattered - they still do. Let their memory be a call to action. Let their stories break the silence around veteran suicide. Let them remind us all that every Marine matters - in the fight, after the fight, always.
Rest easy, warriors. Your watch is over. We will carry your legacy forward - not just in ceremony, but in purpose. Semper Fidelis.
Written by Noel Abboud