A salute offered to the Melia family

I was overcome with emotion a few moments ago as I paid my respects to a hero. I watched and bowed my head as the procession carrying Lance Cpl. Anthony Melia to his final resting place passed. As he and his family passed by, the feeling that enveloped me was not sadness, though tears rolled down my face. I was certainly sad, but the greater emotion at that moment was humility, and it filled me.

It humbles me to my very core that people can leave the security of their homes, even our beautiful Conejo Valley, to answer the call of their country. They serve this nation with greater regard for freedom, countrymen and nation than for personal safety.

Without people such as Anthony Melia our country would not have formed, our union would have been broken over slavery, the world wars would have been lost and currently terrorists would feel free to attack us without fear of reprisal.

How do parents instill in their children this higher calling to service than to comfort? I don't know, but I do know that we are in their debt. It is much rarer in our increasingly materialistic world than in days gone by, I fear.

There is no adequate way to thank the parents of Cpl. Melia. They raised a noble American and have made an extraordinary sacrifice. Nor is there an adequate way to express condolences for the loss of their son. I must simply say thank you and I am very sorry for your loss.

May God bless you. Don Harrison Thousand Oaks