Letter to the Editor: Memorial Poem for Sgt. Julian Chase

On Memorial Day 2012, the Edgewater community lost one of its own when while serving in Afghanistan.

With such a large show of support from the local community, Patch wanted to make sure all interested residents knew of the fallen Marine's memorial services.

Pastor Chuck Sheetenhelm of  (CCF) told Patch that Chase's family is holding a viewing service on Tuesday from 1 to 7 p.m. at CCF. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, also at CCF.

Sheetenhelm told Patch he and his staff are expecting a large turnout by the community as many have embraced the Chase family. The church is located at . 

As an example of the community's support, here's a memorial poem written to the Chase family in honor of the fallen hero.

The following poem was submitted to Patch by Dan McLeod. 

Written as a tribute to Julian Chase who gave his life on Memorial Day 2012.

This morning there is something heavy on my heart. I would like to share with you.

I have a very dear friend that has suffered a loss that none of us should ever have to do.

Two marines in full uniform came to her door to tell her that her son had lost his life in combat.

At one time or another we all receive troubling news, but never anything like that.

Needless to say she almost fainted as repeated over and over again, “This cannot be true.”

“Please say it isn't true. He was far too young, he was just a boy, he was only 22.”

As all of us were enjoying our Memorial Day, weekend with cookouts, parades and such.

Here was this young Marine in Afghanistan fighting for our country but had to give so much.

It was all in the papers the next day how this young hero, gave his life on this Memorial Day.

All of his comrades in arms said “What a hero he was. OH! But what a price he had to pay.”

He gave his life for his country, for you and me and for all generations yet to come.

This should make us realize on this Memorial Day just what our troops have done.

Yes, my fellow Americans they give so much. Don't you think the least we can do is bow our heads in prayer.

To say thank you to Julian and all the other thousands of young people, this is something we all need to share.

But in addition to praying for Julian who will never come home again, pray for his parents whose hearts have been broken.

Yes he gave his all, but they must live with this tragedy forevermore, as they remember the saddest words ever spoken.

“Your son has been killed in action on this Memorial Day 2012.”

Pam and Tom, words cannot express what is on my heart, but please know I share your pain. — Dan McLeod