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View a eulogy for David Bernstein, USMA '01, who passed away on October 18, 2003.

David Bernstein

West Point, 2001

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Roger A. Gross on July 30, 2007:

Though I did not know your son, I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the Bernstein family and the West Point family. It is obvious that he was a great leader, friend, son and brother. He epitomized the motto of the Corps; Duty, Honor, Country.

In April 2004, my extended family lost young cousin in Iraq. He was 24. Unfortunately, DCM Bruckenthal will be remembered as the first US Coast Guardsman to be killed in action since the end of the Viet Nam War. He was assigned to a Navy Boarding Party when his vessel was blown up by enemy forces. The loss of my cousin's son was very sad but I held my composure while attending his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. I am not ashamed to say that reading all the eulogies to David brought tears to my eyes. I have to admit, I did like the Air Force Academy graffiti story which caused me to laugh out loud.

In 1971 his father tried out for the Naval Academy and I tried out for West Point. I did not make the grade and he was not selected. However, we both chose paths in public service as law enforcement officers and are both still working in that profession today.

I am a student of history and have visited West Point. I immediately thought of another West Point graduate, Colonel Micky Marcus. A Jewish hero who gave his life in the fight for freedom for a fledging country, Israel. I plan to visit West Point in the near future and place a memento on David's tombstone. As I recall, Col. Marcus is also buried at West Point among other great heroes of our grateful nation. David is in good company.

May God grant you peace, his most precious gift. Shalom.

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