Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez

West Point, 2005

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by john schwartz on September 21, 2006:

Included in a homily during a funeral for a 9-11-01 victim was the following poem: "I walked a mile with Gladness, She chattered all the way, But left me none the wiser, For all she had to say. I walked a mile with Sorrow, And ne'er a word said she, But oh the things I learned from her, When Sorrow walked with me!"----- After reading all of the eulogies for Lt. Perez, I am beginning to comprehend the point of the poem. In our sorrow over the loss of this valorous citizen/leader/warrior, we learn of the significant impact this extraordinary young woman had on those blessed to have been touched by her life.--- In a commencement address at West Point many years ago, a fellow alum of Lt. Perez prayed that his son would "know the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength, and the humility of true greatness." Had General MacArthur the opportunity to meet Lt. Perez in person, he would have seen the embodiment of such characteristics. Faith assures us that they both now share their well-earned eternal peace. While we mourn that such a woman has died, let us rejoice that such a woman has lived. We derive comfort in knowing that we no longer have to pray for Lt. Perez; we now can pray to Lt. Perez. Peace be with her family and with all who bravely and proudly wear our Nation's uniform. With sorrow and esteem, John P. Schwartz

admin