News that Marine Lance Cpl. Jeramy Ailes died fighting in
Fallujah pierced our built-up armor of indifference to the war in
Iraq.
News that Marine Lance Cpl. Jeramy Ailes died fighting in Fallujah pierced our built-up armor of indifference to the war in Iraq. Our daughter or son knew him. They used to hang out at Coyote Lake – like we did years ago – enjoying the open air and the starry skies of youth. Or maybe you knew his dad from soccer, or his mom from the school office, or one of his three younger sisters. Or maybe you just knew him because you recognized the young man in the Marine uniform on our front page for what he was: a true and, in so many ways, typical example of small-town America.
We can relate because we all know Jeramy … he liked cars, country music, hanging out with good friends … graduated from Gilroy High (class of 2001), attended Gavilan College and then, in a sudden burst of manhood, enlisted in the Marines. He joined, said his parents, in the wake of 9/11 because he cared about people and wanted to help.
His passing evokes great sadness about the vagaries of war. At the same time, we can’t help but feel pride. Jeramy went into the armed services for all the right reasons, and he learned all the right lessons.
“If I ever hear anybody in the United States say anything about how bad they have it, I’m going to really let them have it,” Ailes told his parents in describing his feelings about the dire daily situation Iraqis face while contrasting that with the lives most lead in America.
Jeramy’s life and sacrifice should be a powerful reminder to us all to live gratefully. He would want that, want us to remember what we have that is so precious: freedom, family, food, friends, the ability to take out the “squirrel racer” and buzz around in off-road glee at Hollister Hills or drive to Coyote Lake and enjoy the great outdoors.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and many friends. There are tough days ahead. The community will mourn Jeramy’s passing, but the message should also be one of hope. To paraphrase one tribute that seems fitting: “We are not here to mourn that these men died. We are here to thank God that such men lived.”
Jeramy, 22, showed us that the measure of a man is not his age, but his heart. He showed us that when he requested soccer balls for Iraqi children and when he passed out $300 so that people in need wouldn’t go hungry. Jeramy reminded us to be grateful, and all those close to him spoke about his irrepressible sense of humor. Laugh often, would clearly be high on his how-to-live list.
We salute his spirit. We send comfort to his loved ones. We pray for peace.
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