Stopped to pay tribute.

Yesterday, I went to pay my respects to the memory, and to the family of Marine, Mario D. Gonzalez from Baldwin Park, California. He was killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb. As the Marine in charge at the funeral went by the family to give his condolences, the younger brother of Mario hugged the soldier and cried. That was not typical of the Marine, who was only shaking the hands of those in attendance. The was tough to watch. The marine came up to me to thank me for showing up. It was worth it. I went for three reasons: 1) to pay respect for such a sacrifice; 2) to pray for the family and for the soul of the soldier; 3) to let the family know, that they are not forgotten. People out there remember and appreciate what he did. So, my guitar isn't perfect...but I am alive and free. Thank you and God bless you Mario! He was laid to rest on a hill above Covina over the San Gabriel Valley. What a beauiful day and what a view.