It's been 10 years since the city of Fallujah was in the headlines. US Marines fought a desperate battle in the city to retake control from insurgent Iraqi rebels. Fallujah is again in the headlines. Same story, except the Marines are gone. Major Douglas Zembiec, USMC, known as "The Lion of Fallujah", was recognized for his heroism during the battle in '04. He was killed outside Baghdad on May 11, 2007.
At the memorial held at the Naval Academy chapel, his wife of 2 years, Pamela, sat up front with their 1-year-old daughter.
"Become the greatest husband and father ever," Zembiec had written in a note to himself.
His close friend,Eric L. Kapitulik read from many of his personal notes. One of the quotes was particularly long, amounting to what Kapitulik said was a summary of Zembiac himself.
" Be a man of principle. Fight for what you believe in. Keep your word. Live with integrity. Be brave. Believe in something bigger than yourself. Serve your country."
"Teach. Mentor. Give something back to society. Lead from the front. Conquer your fears. Be a good friend. Be humble and be self-confident.
"Appreciate your friends and family. Be a leader not a follower. Be valorous on the field of battle. And take responsibility for your actions."
Kapitulik said the creed came from the man who knew Zembiac the longest, as indicated by the major's written description: "Principles my Father taught me."
His daughter is now 8 years old. She has no memory of her father.
Lest We Forget
For the troops
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