Posted on September 3, 2025 by S. Vincent Anthony
Dear Readers,
Enveloped by the shadows of tales I’ve crafted and the indelible memories that linger, I feel an urgent pull to share this from the core of my being. Our world races forward without pause, turning today’s news into tomorrow’s overlooked details. Yet, certain realities must remain etched in our collective consciousness—the immense sacrifices of our service members. These are the individuals who guarded the frontiers of liberty, shouldered the burdens of conflicts both visible and hidden, and whose enduring impacts call for our perpetual vigilance. Today, I wish to contemplate the imperative of remembrance, weaving in the homages I’ve posted on this blog, each a strand in the fabric of valor and grief.
We start with Sergeant Michael Martins, a dedicated Marine hailing from Miramar, California, whose existence radiated purpose, empathy, and unbreakable fortitude. In my dedication to him, I described how he lived the Marine ethos of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—not only amid combat, but in the simple gestures of kindness that marked his character. Taken too soon in a motorcycle mishap, Michael’s narrative underscores that sacrifice isn’t confined to far-off war zones; it can reverberate through the peaceful avenues of everyday life. His memory inspires us to embrace life with deliberate intent, to value its precariousness, and to pay tribute to those who surrendered all so we could thrive.
The Schwarzkopf lineage emerges as a cornerstone in this saga of bravery. General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., the formidable “Stormin’ Norman” of the Gulf War, was a colossus molded by command and conflict. My tribute to him sketches a figure whose tactical genius preserved innumerable lives, while his compassion emerged in times of serene determination. We must also honor his father, Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf Sr., a trailblazer in contemporary policing, forged by his roles in two global wars. Their interwoven legacies across eras demonstrate how military devotion echoes through history, shaping not merely victories on the battlefield, but civilizations rooted in bravery.
Amid the dense foliage of Vietnam, Sergeant Richard Thomas Jackson from Green Bay, Wisconsin, faced a premature demise, his story a faint whisper that continues to echo. My commemoration of him highlights the myriad names inscribed on monuments—the overlooked champions whose accounts could easily vanish. It serves as a summons to heed those whispers, to educate the next generation on the cost of tranquility, and to safeguard every veteran’s narrative from the erosion of apathy.
And to Colonel Jesse Loftis Johnson, an exemplary American combatant whose homage encapsulates unwavering commitment—I extend my salute. Your account, much like the rest, exemplifies the fighters who represent humanity’s finest qualities.
My friends, these dedications transcend mere text; they represent my modest effort to heal history’s wounds via narrative. As a veteran of the Cold War era, I’ve experienced the frost of doubt, the gravity of preparedness, and the deep appreciation for predecessors. In a time when warfare transforms yet the toll on humanity persists, we must pledge to eternal memory. Impart these tales to the youth, weave them into dialogues, and allow them to propel our quest for a world deserving of such offerings. For in recollection, we discover not only grief, but fortitude—the sort that forges countries and mends spirits.
Should these reflections stir you, I encourage you to delve into the complete homages on my blog and contemplate backing this endeavor with a membership. United, we can sustain the glow of tribute.
With profound esteem and thanks,
S. Vincent Anthony