Our returning troops deserve our respect

The war in Iraq has provided all of us, those who supported the

fighting and those who opposed it, with a new generation of heroes.

Men and women from neighborhoods across the country packed up their

lives, traveled thousands of miles to the other side of the world and

put themselves in harm’s way in service of their country. Many are

now beginning to come home, including servicemen from Newport-Mesa.

The first of these, Marine Staff Sgt. Charles “Cass” Spence of

Costa Mesa, arrived last weekend after a four-month tour. He was

greeted by his family, who alternated between smiles and tears as

they welcomed him home.

Set to return any day now is Marine reservist Lance Cpl. Ian Voss

of Newport Beach. He can expect a similar greeting from his loved

ones.

Of course, not all those who served are coming home safe and

sound. Marine Cpl. Jose Garibay of Costa Mesa, who gave his life

serving America, was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery in

April. He was posthumously given his citizenship and has since been

honored by Costa Mesa’s Assemblyman Ken Maddox and Newport-Mesa

Supervisor Jim Silva in a “wall of honor,” which will display photos

of military service people.

All three of these men, and those who crossed the Iraqi desert

with them, deserve our lasting respect and admiration. They join the

long, honorable line of men and women who have gone into battle for

this country, many of whom, like Garibay, did not return to the arms

of their families and friends.

Twice a year, on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day, this country

stops to pay homage to those who have served. The pictures and

stories from Iraq are a haunting, vivid reminder that two days is

just the tip of all the thanks they deserve.

Cass Spence’s mother, Corinne Spence, captured the feelings of

this community and this nation as she welcomed her son home.

“I have to tell you, I am so excited, I am crying with thrill,”

she said.

They are feelings we should feel every single day.