ON JUNE 27, 2005, a lone assassin shot and killed my son, 2nd Lt. Matthew S. Coutu. He did not die instantly but bled out while being transported to the U.S. Army hospital in Baghdad. The pain of such a personal loss is exacerbated by knowing that he was well aware he was mortally wounded, drifting into death.

Matt is a hero but not because he fought for our country and died in battle. He fought and died because he was a hero. He willingly served our nation, following in my footsteps (Marine Corps/Vietnam) and that of his grandfather (US Navy/World War II); a family which believes that the chalice of Democracy must be defended against all who seek to destroy it. Matt was a young man who lived his life with honor and high purpose. The Iraqi conflict commenced while he was in ROTC yet it did not deter him from staying the course of duty and responsibility he embarked upon. I lost more than a son on June 27th, I lost one of my heroes.

Michael A. Coutu lives in Rye Beach.

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