Monday, March 29, 2010

A Hero

I've always been grateful for this country and the freedoms I enjoy, but the past couple weeks have increased my patriotism dramatically. My cousin SFC Glen Jacob Whetten was killed while serving in Afghanistan. I am so grateful for his sacrifice and bravery. He was the "best of the best" at what he did, and had earned many awards, including three purple hearts. What amazes me is that his family didn't even know about some of his awards
because he was too humble to tell them.


His funeral was beautiful. The tears started as we pulled up to the church, which was surrounded by flags.









It was wonderful to see so many cousins and family members who traveled here for the funeral. The amount of respect shown by the military was poignant, and
I won't ever look at the flag the same way again.
As my Aunt Amy (Jake's mom) put it,
"I think a great many eyes have been opened by Jacob's death. How can we ever see a soldier or a flag in the same way again? Our freedom is infinitely
more precious because we finally realize, in a most personal way, its terrible cost".
She also wrote a beautiful poem about Jake here.



6 comments:

Karen & Ben said...

It was quite the experience wasn't it. It was good to see you!!

Tricia said...

I am sorry and grateful, too. It's making me cry.

David, Melissa, and kids said...

Thankyou for sharing this

star valley farmers? said...

I was so sad about your cousin Jake. i remember him as a little tiny boy. DC was amazing.. I want to come to AZ but it won't be for awhile. klydi is graduating in May and then we shall see.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Emmalee,
Nice tribute. He will be sorely missed.

Unknown said...

Always Remembered, Never forgotten.

I served with your cousin at Fort Benning, not only was he a great mentor but also a great friend to me. He was quick to put a smile on your face no matter what kind of day he was having. He would always put others before himself and thought me always to lead from the front. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Rangers Lead The Way