Ryan Joseph Cantafio
This entry was posted on November 25, 2008 10:41 AM and is filed under heroes.
Exactly four years ago today, my cousin, Lance Corporal Ryan Joseph Cantafio, USMC was killed in action near Baghdad, Iraq. Every single Marine I have met from 2/24 Marines - Fox Company, who knew Ryan, loved him. Ryan was a hero to many.
The song Brave Warrior, which I wrote with the help of my dear friend Herb Weinand, and has been performed at every single show I do, is inspired by Ryan. I promised Ryan's Dad, Joey Cantafio of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, that as long as I was alive, I would never let anyone forget his son.
As the years go on, I meet more Gold Star Families; people who have lost their son's and daughter's; husbands and wives. Their lost heroes volunteered to fight terrorism; keep terrorism off the streets of America, and preserve the American way of life.
I have noticed the same fear in all these people. The fear that we'll all forget their loved ones ... the real heroes who have kept America safe since September 11th 2001.
HOW CAN A TOWN HELP REMEMBER A LOCAL HERO?
My heartfelt thanks go to out to the town of Beaver Damn, Wisconsin, Ryan's home town, for bringing a bright spot to the heart of Beaver Dam, and naming a street after him.
When I talked with my cousin Joey, he sounded so happy and so proud that his boy has been immortalized by the city fathers of Beaver Dam. The below photo was taken by Joey.
Brave Warrior, your battles are over, it's time to rest your head
Brave Warrior, lay down in the clover, the earth is now your bed
Brave Warrior, a flag is now wrapped around you, your grateful nation mourns
Now rest in peace, and sleep for the ages in the place where you were born
Brave Warrior, your stay was so short, now it's time to say goodbye
Sweet Warrior, mount your faithful steed, as you ride off in the sky
A folded flag is all that's left to remind us, of why you lived and died
Brave Warrior, they've all come to see you, they've come to say goodbye
When poppies fate, and the cold winds blow
And the graves are covered in the fallen snow
You will warm our hearts with the memory of your love ... of your love
Brave Warrior, evening is falling, the fields are empty and gold
Brave Warrior, your star shinning bright, your spirit of peace we now hold
Brave Warrior, your ship finds its harbor where the water meets the sky
And I will think of you when I breathe my freedom, with a tear drop in my eye
Sweet Warrior, I'll never forget you ... good soldiers never die
Good soldiers never die
Your memory will never die.
The song Brave Warrior, which I wrote with the help of my dear friend Herb Weinand, and has been performed at every single show I do, is inspired by Ryan. I promised Ryan's Dad, Joey Cantafio of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, that as long as I was alive, I would never let anyone forget his son.
As the years go on, I meet more Gold Star Families; people who have lost their son's and daughter's; husbands and wives. Their lost heroes volunteered to fight terrorism; keep terrorism off the streets of America, and preserve the American way of life.
I have noticed the same fear in all these people. The fear that we'll all forget their loved ones ... the real heroes who have kept America safe since September 11th 2001.
HOW CAN A TOWN HELP REMEMBER A LOCAL HERO?
My heartfelt thanks go to out to the town of Beaver Damn, Wisconsin, Ryan's home town, for bringing a bright spot to the heart of Beaver Dam, and naming a street after him.
When I talked with my cousin Joey, he sounded so happy and so proud that his boy has been immortalized by the city fathers of Beaver Dam. The below photo was taken by Joey.
Brave Warrior, your battles are over, it's time to rest your head
Brave Warrior, lay down in the clover, the earth is now your bed
Brave Warrior, a flag is now wrapped around you, your grateful nation mourns
Now rest in peace, and sleep for the ages in the place where you were born
Brave Warrior, your stay was so short, now it's time to say goodbye
Sweet Warrior, mount your faithful steed, as you ride off in the sky
A folded flag is all that's left to remind us, of why you lived and died
Brave Warrior, they've all come to see you, they've come to say goodbye
When poppies fate, and the cold winds blow
And the graves are covered in the fallen snow
You will warm our hearts with the memory of your love ... of your love
Brave Warrior, evening is falling, the fields are empty and gold
Brave Warrior, your star shinning bright, your spirit of peace we now hold
Brave Warrior, your ship finds its harbor where the water meets the sky
And I will think of you when I breathe my freedom, with a tear drop in my eye
Sweet Warrior, I'll never forget you ... good soldiers never die
Good soldiers never die
Your memory will never die.
Comments
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November 25, 2008 11:39 AM
Deb Argel-Bastian wrote:
Dear Joe,
Thank you so much for honoring all of our fallen. Ryan's picture is in my "Hall of Heroes" in my home. You are right about the fear. My son has been honored in so many places, but not in his home town. Only three weeks after Derek's death, I was asked to attend a City Council meeting. The purpose was to ask my permission to honor Derek in some way. He volunteered so much time, teaching children to swim, play water polo, and assisting anyone who needed help. As of this date, they have done nothing. I think that hurts the most. He is the only fallen hero from this war with a marker in our local cemetery, yet his name was not even mentioned on Memorial Day at the service there. I live five miles from Vandenberg AF Base, and have never been invited to an event there. I think we will be putting a mural on our home at our own expense to help ease this pain. My appreciation and love is extended to all towns that have remembered their own with some memorial. The street name is a blessing and a reminder to all of the sacrifice and appreciation felt in the community. The fear and hurt of the lack of recognition in my town has lasting scars. Bless your readers and friends across America that do remember our loved ones.
Deb,
In honor of my son, Capt. Derek Argel,
Deployed to heaven on Memorial Day,2005
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November 25, 2008 11:44 AM
Lisa wrote:
May God bless and comfort the Cantafio family as they remember their beloved Ryan. He and many of his brothers gave it all. May Americans give them the honor they are due -- to never forget their sacrifice, to care for their families, aid fellow citizens and to help America be the best it can be. That is my prayer.
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November 25, 2008 12:13 PM
Joe Cantafio wrote:
I thank God all the time for you Lisa ... you are really something else.
You are an incredible patriot, with a heart of gold. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for YOU!
Joe
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November 25, 2008 12:13 PM
Joe Cantafio wrote:
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November 25, 2008 11:50 AM
Joe Cantafio wrote:
My Dear Sweet Debbie,
Don't you ever fear that your son will ever be forgotten. I have the photo's of Phil Frank, Geoff Morris, my cousin Ryan and your son Derek on my desk ... and they will never come off.
I would suggest you kindly visit your city fathers and explain to them what is happening across America ... parks, streets and even some building are being named for our heroes.
Trust me Deb ... as long as I have anything to say about this, your son will never be forgotten ... and hopefully I will prove that to you in the biggest way possible in a few years down in San Antonio.
God bless you, I bet you and Todd wish you had a Gino's East pizza as a 2nd course on Thanksgiving Day!
Love ya and thanks for honoring Ryan.
Joe
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November 25, 2008 11:58 AM
Lisa wrote:
Dear Deb,
Something is wrong when a town ignores the needs of it's citzens. How painful this must be to you. Sounds like the city needs a reminder! Be comforted to know that there are people who care that your son gave his life for this country. The fact that I have never met you doesn't matter. We are fellow Americans and when one hurts, it hurts us all. Derek is a hero and should be remembered as one.
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November 25, 2008 12:20 PM
Deb Argel-Bastian wrote:
Dear Lisa and Joe,
Thank you for your comments and support. It is wonderful Americans like you that I am so thankful for. I'll be sending Joe my Thanksgiving message. As always, he is welcome to post it if he likes. God bless you all this Thanksgiving! Deb
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November 25, 2008 12:20 PM
Deb Argel-Bastian wrote: