Comments for The Lion of Fallujah.

The Lion of Fallujah.

2007-05-18T15:19:22Z

I've been silent about the death of Major Zembiec, if only because others have covered it already, Blackfive especially, and I had nothing to add.

Today, whether or not I'm adding anything, I have something to say.

The Washington Post has an article on Major Zembiec's funeral at Annapolis.

This caught my eye.

Five hours later, after the sound of taps had faded over his coffin at Arlington National Cemetery, came what Zembiec, 34, might have considered the finest tribute of all.
About 40 enlisted men gathered under a tree, telling stories about their former commander. Some had flown in from as far away as California, prompting one officer to observe: Your men have to follow your orders; they don't have to go to your funeral.

Word.

Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam.

Comment from AFSister on 2007-05-18

2007-05-18T17:47:23Z

Me thinks Major Zembiec is the Lord of the Dance at this point. No finer tribute is right, John. To have those men gather, long after the service, to honor their commander, is a true testiment to his leadership abilities. We should all be so lucky as to have a Major Zembiec to follow.

Comment from MajMike on 2007-05-18

2007-05-18T16:14:58Z

no finer testament than that right there. now we dance, and then we toast!

Comment from Maggie on 2007-05-18

2007-05-18T15:56:42Z

My favorite part of the WaPo article was this. While Zembiec was stationed at Camp Pendleton after the Fallujah campaign, his parents visited. Zembiec and his father, Don, drove onto the base to shoot skeet and were stopped at the gate by a young Marine. Are you Captain Zembiec's father? the Marine asked. Yes, his father said. "I was with your son in Fallujah," the Marine said. "He was my company commander. If we had to go back in there, I would follow him with a spoon." It struck Cassandra as well. We both blogged about it.