Fallen Marine’s Last Words: ‘It Was All Worth it’
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A Marine carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Marine Sgt. William C. Stacey of Redding, Calif., upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Feb. 2, 2012. Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo
Sgt. William Stacey joined the Marines in January 2007, completing a total of five deployments. He was scheduled to return home from his final deployment in Afghanistan this spring.
But Stacey was tragically killed Jan. 31. He was on foot patrol when an enemy explosive device went off and took the life of a soldier who was just months away from returning home.
“None of us who love him know how to measure the vastness of this pain,” his mother, Robin, said in an email to ABC News. “He is but one of a number of men and women who have risked and sometimes lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq, just as we are but one of thousands of families whose hearts are breaking today.”
To see photos of Sgt. William Stacey and his loved ones, click here
Stacey’s family found a letter he had written in case he died serving his country, perhaps hoping to ease some of their pain.
The letter, which was published in the Seattle Times, shows a glimpse of the selflessness of the fallen hero.
“My death did not change the world; it may be tough for you to justify its meaning at all,” he wrote. “But there is greater meaning to it.”
He wrote of the children of the world who he hoped would one day know freedom.
“Perhaps I did not change the world. Perhaps there is still injustice in the world. But there will be a child who will live because men left the security they enjoyed in their home country to come to his. And this child will learn in the new schools that have been built. He will walk his streets not worried about whether or not his leader’s henchmen are going to come and kidnap him. He will grow into a fine man who will pursue every opportunity his heart could desire. He will have the gift of freedom, which I have enjoyed for so long. If my life buys the safety of a child who will one day change this world, then I know that it was all worth it.”
“We are very proud of him. He’d come to be quietly proud of himself, and he had every right to be,” Stacey’s father, Bob, told KOMO News. “We’re going to miss him. A lot of people are going to miss him.”
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I saw the piece on Sgt William Stacey this evening on ABC news with Diane Sawyer. Thank you for sharing his letter; what an incredible human being. I just wanted to mention the narrator of the video referred to Sgt Stacey and the Marines carrying his casket as ‘soldiers’. I see your article has the same error. Please, these men are Marines, they earn the title and should be recognized as such, especially this young man. Show this Sgt and his fellow Marines respect by addressing them as such. Please correct your article as well. Second paragraph — “He was on foot patrol when an enemy explosive device went off and took the life of a soldier who was just months away from returning home.” Semper Fi, Marine. Thank you.
Posted by: Danielle | February 3, 2012, 8:17 pm 8:17 pm
I will be 58 years old this year. I have no children. I would like to express to this fine young man’s family, that if I did have a child I would pray and hope that I would raise such a fine person that was so thoughtful when he was alive and just as much when he was gone. This family should be very proud. I know I am and have never meet this fine young man.
Posted by: Don Ramirez | February 3, 2012, 9:26 pm 9:26 pm
My prayers go out to Sgt. Williams Stacey’s family. What an honorable, thoughtful, and selfless human being they raised. I have no doubt that this fine young man helped change this world for the better!
Posted by: Brooke | February 3, 2012, 10:07 pm 10:07 pm
Rest easy brother, We will take it from here. Semper Fi
Posted by: Noah | February 4, 2012, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
If only our politicians believed in this what we are doing as much as this man did.
Posted by: Heather | February 4, 2012, 12:51 pm 12:51 pm
My sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of this Marine. Please find some solace in his words and understand that he epitomizes the very best ideals that we as Americans stand for, but often forget.
Semper Fidelis Marine.
Posted by: SgtRT3USMC | February 4, 2012, 1:22 pm 1:22 pm
Somethings change, but thank God somethings don’t. The US Armed Forces are made up of men and women who share these two beliefs. 1) Freedom is not Free. and 2.) No price is not too high. Bless this fellow Marine and pray for his family. RIP Devildog. GySgt Smith, S.A. USMC (Ret)
Posted by: Samuel A. Smith II | February 4, 2012, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
Please correct your wording in this article. Sgt Stacey was a MARINE, not a soldier.
God speed, Marine, and THANK YOU for your sacrifice.
Posted by: Jessica | February 4, 2012, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
RIP Brother, Semper Fi.
For all the media, will you please, for the love of God, give us respect and stop calling Marines soldiers. We earn the title, Im almost positive William would smack the backside of your head for calling him a soldier instead of Marine.
Posted by: Chris | February 4, 2012, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
Part of the definition of the word soldier is – a person who works or fights for a cause. So members of all the branches of the military are soldiers. I think it is kind of petty to get upset just because someone called a Marine a soldier.
Posted by: Lisa | February 4, 2012, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm
Sgt. Stacey, you were a true American and you served your country in a way that few could. You put yourself in danger, and ended up giving your life, not just for us here at home, but for others who have never known the freedom that we all take for granted all to often. You have truly fulfilled your duty and God surly has a place for you in heaven.
Stand easy, Marine. The rest of us will carry on from here.
And may you rest in peace, youve certainly earned it.
Posted by: Zachary J. Gill | February 4, 2012, 8:38 pm 8:38 pm
Lisa, I understand your confusion. “Soldier” is indeed a generic term for a person who works or fights for a cause. In the case of U.S. Marines, however, the generic term simply doesn’t cut it. This seems petty to you, and I understand that. To Marines and their families, it is not at all petty. It’s a case of “you had to have been there” to get it. So, yeah, thanks journalists for correcting the error.
Posted by: Linda Stephenson | February 4, 2012, 9:17 pm 9:17 pm
God bless this family for raising such a selfless son. He was a great great person, no doubt. I do, however, have a problem with people WORRYING about what he was called. Im a former soldier and I feel disrespected (as people are saying on here) that people out there actually believe that we are not as good as u (marines). Its ridiculous that, this kind of conversation is taking place. WE are the US Military and every Marine, Soldier or otherwise deserve great respect if they made the ultimate sacrifice. Hell, even they didnt. Please please lets give the person praise for what he did oversees and being in the US Military, not for being a Marine.
Posted by: Rich | February 4, 2012, 10:07 pm 10:07 pm
I thought this article was a joke at first. And I guess it’s better than going to his death believing it was all for nothing… But really? Most people know the war in Afghanistan is completely pointless – a tragic waste of life in an impoverished, barren country in the middle of nowhere that poses no threat to the United States. Sorry you had to die, brother. Let’s all hope we can pull out of that quagmire soon.
Posted by: Don | February 5, 2012, 1:40 am 1:40 am
Rich, I’m sorry you feel disrespected — not my intention certainly. The point is simply that “Marine” is the correct term. Correct in dictionaries, correct in the Associated Press Stylebook, correct in military specifications, and correct in the history/heritage/understanding of the U.S. Marine Corps. When a writer or editor slips up, it’s up to readers to ask for a correction. A photo caption using “soldier” incorrectly is confusing. Media aim for accuracy and clarity. Marines identify with their particular branch of service and wish to be called Marines. I suppose other professions have similar preferences (e.g., copy editors don’t like to be called proofreaders). No disrespect intended.
Posted by: Linda Stephenson | February 5, 2012, 12:18 pm 12:18 pm
Semper Fi.
It’s quite a shame that ABC couldn’t give proper respect and read his letter verbatim. They totally left out the last paragraph.
“My death did not change the world; it may be tough for you to justify its meaning at all. But there is a greater meaning to it. Perhaps I did not change the world. Perhaps there is still injustice in the world. But there will be a child who will live because men left the security they enjoyed in their home country to come to his. And this child will learn in the new schools that have been built. He will walk his streets not worried about whether or not his leader’s henchmen are going to come and kidnap him. He will grow into a fine man who will pursue every opportunity his heart could desire. He will have the gift of freedom, which I have enjoyed for so long. If my life buys the safety of a child who will one day change this world, then I know that it was all worth it.
Semper Fidelis means always faithful. Always faithful to God, Country and Corps. Always faithful to the principles and beliefs that guided me into the service. And on that day in October when I placed my hand on a bible and swore to defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic, I meant it.”
Posted by: Karl B | February 5, 2012, 11:00 pm 11:00 pm
It is sad that still today, most do not either understand, or realize, the vast difference between Marines and soldiers. This fine young man was a Marine; not a soldier. My father and two brothers were soldiers. I chose to be a Marine. I have never regretted that choice.
Please provide the courtesy of calling us Marines. Almost anyone can be a soldier. Only a chosen few can be Marines. “The Few. The Proud. The Marines”
Semper Fidelis
Captain R.H. Jenkins (Retired)
1950-1973
Posted by: Ralph Jenkins | February 6, 2012, 3:36 pm 3:36 pm
Only a Marine can write a letter that strong…
God bless America with lights on our paths
Posted by: Pat | February 6, 2012, 5:29 pm 5:29 pm
Semper Fidelis Devildog, the hearts and prayers of your fellow Marines are with you this night. You served your country well, and even though others may belittle or attempt to discredit your sacrifice we know the strength and honor of your actions. The world is indeed a better place because of your sacrifice, and you will not be forgotten. May GOD bless your family and help them heal from this painful loss.
Semper Fidelis
Marinesniper
1996-1999 (100% Disabled)
Posted by: Marinesniper | February 6, 2012, 10:44 pm 10:44 pm
Our hearts are breaking for his family. Our son, A1C Mathew Seidler, EOD was killed in Afghanistan Jan 5th along with his 2 team members. Many sleepless nights are ahead for them. We pray for them. Our freedom has costs that are impossible to comprehend.
Posted by: Marc Seidler | February 6, 2012, 11:58 pm 11:58 pm
Semper Fi brother. Rest in piece. We will take it from here.
Posted by: james vlam | February 12, 2012, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
God speed Marine… may the streets of Heaven be an easier patrol. We’ll see you on the other side brotha… Semper Fi – Sgt Perez
Posted by: Moses | February 19, 2012, 11:57 am 11:57 am