Fallen Marine must never be forgotten

Now we cry. There is no greater loss than that of a child.

Anthony Melia was a child of all of us. He was a child of his own parents, but also a child of every mother and father, a child of our Titan football family, a child of our city and a child of our nation. One of our own has died. Above all, what we hold onto is that Anthony was a child of God.

And Anthony Melia was a titan of a child. The uniform he wore was for a grander team this last time around. He merely turned in his football cleats for boots. But his helmet wasn't enough to protect him.

He gave his life for our freedom. He was a son and a Marine, not just a football player anymore.

To be a titan means to be a colossus, a giant, a person of exceptional importance and repute. A titan is one who rises among men.

Though Anthony was only 20, he was truly a titan.

And was he not also a hero? Are not all of our servicemen and women heroes? For what is a hero if not a titan of freedom? Is that not what this titan died for?

Mourning and grieving are the burdens of those who were touched by his life. The heartache is greatest for those who were closest, his family.

Yet we all share their pain.

But we cannot allow sorrow to overtake the celebration of this titan's life. Our collective hearts have been torn. But our hearts continue to beat. The heart of this nation has been pierced, but the scars of healing must make us stronger.

Anthony was willing to die so our children could continue to play. War has taken many of our children to let all of us live freely. Would that more of us could live and die as titans like Anthony Melia.

Anthony Melia, you have made us all proud. We will celebrate your life every day.

Thank you, Anthony, for having the courage to become a true titan of freedom.
Billy Martin
Thousand Oaks