I regret to inform you...

[DHart]

Of course it's been a sleepless night. We cannot believe that this is real. Being visited by the amazing Army officers we were visited by was a bit of a reality jolt. But greeting Elijah when he arrives home by private jet... that could be the hardest. The Army will be escorting him throughout every step in this process until our final goodbyes and the respect and dignity these fine young men display is most impressive indeed. The officer who gave us the news yesterday (accompanied by a chaplain) was so moved to tears that it was extremely difficult for him to complete his task. He told us he has lost 19 of his men and though he is trained to retain composure, he himself was overwhelmed.

Elijah's mother and I cannot begin to express to ALL of you how very much your thoughts, prayers, and genuinely shared grief means to us. I have made friends with many of you around one of our favorite subjects, flashlights, and to hear from you again in this thread is moving to me.

I have read every post in this thread, perhaps three or four times over and never realized how much it could help to know that so many understand and genuinely care. Thank you all so, so, so very much for taking the time and effort to post here. It means much more to us than you possibly realize. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Sharon asks me to tell you that she knows she going to see Elijah again. She is so heartbroken. Thanks so much.

Don & Sharon

[Stainz]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers. I am so thankful for all of the brave Warriors who protect our liberties. No amount of the most sincere thanks for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice can offset such a devastating loss, but please let me offer mine nonetheless. May God Bless you and yours during this most difficult of times.

John

[iapyx]

Dear DHart,

I am so very sorry to hear this.
Your son, like many of our guys, has done such a good job overthere for us. I hope you find a way to cope with this terrible loss.

[bladerunner]

My thoughts and prayers go to you. May you find strenght in the days ahead. Elijah proudly served his country for us. He is now watching over everyone of us and heaven just became a nicer place.

[ionizedsky]

Father God

We thank you for the lives you have given us. You are the almighty and you have given so much for us who didn't even deserve it. It is because of your grace and love for us that we are grateful. Father we can not understand your plan or even begin to imagine the immensity of it, but we trust that your plan is holy and for you glory.

Father I pray that you would be with Don & Sharon's Family, their daughter in law and grandchild and anybody else who was fortunate to know Elijah, in this time of grief. Father we can not understand why these bad things happen to such good people but we trust that you are sovereign in all things and that Elijah; a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a great soldier is with you now and we are so thankful for that. We know that he watches over us now with you, waiting for the day that we will be united again.

In your sons name. Amen.

[Flying Turtle]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.

Geoff

[run4jc]

Father God

We thank you for the lives you have given us. You are the almighty and you have given so much for us who didn't even deserve it. It is because of your grace and love for us that we are grateful. Father we can not understand your plan or even begin to imagine the immensity of it, but we trust that your plan is holy and for you glory.

Father I pray that you would be with Don & Sharon's Family, their daughter in law and grandchild and anybody else who was fortunate to know Elijah, in this time of grief. Father we can not understand why these bad things happen to such good people but we trust that you are sovereign in all things and that Elijah; a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a great soldier is with you now and we are so thankful for that. We know that he watches over us now with you, waiting for the day that we will be united again.

In your sons name. Amen.

And Amen. Ionizedsky, thank you for the beautiful prayer, and Don, thank you and Elijah for the sacrifices that you have made for this country. There are those among us who may have experienced pain at the loss of a son and/or loved one, but no one can truly understand each individual's personal pain at the loss of their own son. May the peace of our loving Savior enter your soul, and instill in you at least a bit of comfort knowing that your fallen hero son is in a much better place. Rest in Peace, Elijah! We mourn your passing but celebrate your life!

[jabe1]

I will be praying for you and your family. I am very saddened by your loss.

[parnass]

I am sorry to learn of the loss of your son while he was serving our country.

[dom]

Shocking to hear of your loss Don.
I watched a DVD just the other day showing the
hell your son and others go thru.

Reality sinks in.

God bless you and yours.

Dom

[donn_]

Don,

Heartfelt condolences to your family and deepest respect and gratitude for all yours and your son's sacrifice.

May God welcome Elijah and comfort you.

Donn
3rd Battalion/7th Marines
Hill 55 and LZ Baldy, RVN
1966 -1969

[Mikellen]

My deepest sympathy soars out to you, your wife, daughter in law, grandchild, and the rest of your family. Please find some comfort in knowing that your son is with our heavenly Father right at this moment.
I will pray for you and your family along with all of our military men and women who are serving in hell on earth.

May God bless you and your family.

Michael

[texbaz]

My condolences. I Thank your Son, Your Family, and You for the Sacrifice you have made, words are not enough, please endure. Our prays and thoughts are with you.

[Alberta-Blue]

He gave his life in service to his country... May he rest in peace.

[pobox1475]

Deepest condolences to you and his loved ones.

[RAGE CAGE]

He is in the arms of an Angel now....may you find some comfort here. You will meet again and he will not be forgotten.
You can see the kindness in his eyes and smile- that will never be extinquished.

[Light Head]

I'm sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Eric242]

My deepest condolences to you and your familiy Don. I am very sorry for your loss.

Eric

[jahxman]

Dhart,

So sorry to hear this, I know how hard it is to lose a child, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and with Elijah's wife and child.

[rumack]

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I salute your son and all like him, heroes all, who have made the greatest sacrifice possible in service to our country. May his sacrifice never be forgotten and I hope you and your family find comfort in your memories of him.

[GreySave]

Please accept our condolences on your loss and our appreciation for all who serve.

Alan & Peggy Ann

[download]

My deepest condolences.

[KBobAries]

A fine looking young man. I don't have any words to help with your grief. I am grateful that men and women just like him exist and have chosen to serve their country. I'm sorry.

Dan

[Biker Bear]

I'm saddened to hear of the loss of Elijah. As I'm not a parent, I can only imagine what you're going through.

[jonnyfgroove]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[kwkarth]

Don & Sharon,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your son, Elijah. I am thankful for Elijah's willing sacrifice for all of us, and I can only imagine your sorrow and loss. God grant you comfort, peace, and understanding through this time. Words cannot express adequately.

[mr.snakeman]

Of course it's been a sleepless night. We cannot believe that this is real. Being visited by the amazing Army officers we were visited by was a bit of a reality jolt. But greeting Elijah when he arrives home by private jet... that could be the hardest. The Army will be escorting him throughout every step in this process until our final goodbyes and the respect and dignity these fine young men display is most impressive indeed. The officer who gave us the news yesterday (accompanied by a chaplain) was so moved to tears that it was extremely difficult for him to complete his task. He told us he has lost 19 of his men and though he is trained to retain composure, he himself was overwhelmed.

Elijah's mother and I cannot begin to express to ALL of you how very much your thoughts, prayers, and genuinely shared grief means to us. I have made friends with many of you around one of our favorite subjects, flashlights, and to hear from you again in this thread is moving to me.

I have read every post in this thread, perhaps three or four times over and never realized how much it could help to know that so many understand and genuinely care. Thank you all so, so, so very much for taking the time and effort to post here. It means much more to us than you possibly realize. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Sharon asks me to tell you that she knows she going to see Elijah again. She is so heartbroken. Thanks so much.

Don & Sharon

Thank you for those kind words- I (and I am sure the rest of the forum feel the same way) hope that we have been able to, by sharing in your great sorrow, help in the healing process and hope that you, with our help if needed, can begin the road to recovery. I wish you all the best for you and your loved ones in the future to come. With my deepest respect for your loss, may he never be forgotten.

[Oddjob]

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

[jac2001]

Having experienced the loss of a son, I know no words will ever be adequate.....

Prayers are sent to you and your family.
May God ease your grief.

j.

[RayO]

My condolences to you and your family, and may God bless you all.