I wish we were gathering together for a much happier occasion, but our mayer felt that it was right to honor Master Sergeant John Michael Dean Rizzo.  John Michael died last month due to injuries incurred by sniper fire while fighting in Iraq.  He was only 35 years old.

John Michael left behind a grieving wife, Maureen, and a newborn baby son, John Michael, Jr., who will never get to know his father and when he does, he will only know him from pictures, letters, or videos that his mommy saved.

It's been hard on all of us.  A lot of us knew John Michael; he was a very outgoing, outstanding young man with Christian values (he accepted Christ into his heart when he was only fourteen years old at a church aamp) and a good head on his head and shoulders.  He oftentimes thought of others before himself, and he was very involved within the community and the church.  When he was 18, he wanted to make a big difference in the world, so he joined up with the United States Marines.

He joined up in June nearly two years ago. 

John Michael quickly moved up in the ranks during his brief nearly two year long tour of duty.  He went from buck private to Master Sergeant: he was extremely intelligent and picked up things at a rapid pace.  He loved what he did, and he wanted to help coalition forces defeat the enemy.  He was due to be transferred back to the United States just before Christmas when he encountered enemy fire.  He was shot in the back of the head, neck, and back.  He died instantly from numerous gunshot wounds and extreme blood loss.

He never had a chance.

Today, our city will have the mayor speak about John, as well as other people, who will also share their special John Michael stories.  There will be speeches, appropriate (patriotic and spiritual) songs, a 21-gun salute, and an ongoing vigil at his gravesite.  Later this month, his body will be flown home, and we will have a final going-away service for this brave young man who gave his life to ensure our freedoms.

No doubt, Maureen and other family members will be in attendance.  We will try our best to reach out to this hurting widow and her baby son, to let them know in some tangible way that we do care for them and will not forget the brave sacrifices John Michael made to protect our nation.

May God bless the memory of this young man who gave so much!  And may God be with Maureen and John Michael, Jr., as they go about their lives without their fallen hero!