Lt. Michael P. Murphy’s memorial was shattered by a 14-year-old teenager.
Lt. Michael P. Murphy was a Navy Seal who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005 and awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for valor posthumously.
Murphy a native of Patchougue was killed fighting 30 Afghani fighters.
His named is fixed on the destroyer called the Michael Murphy. Now this young teenager had no idea what he had done by shattering this tribute in Ronkonkoma.
As a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam era, I find this egregious act to be an insult to Lt. Murphy and all who fight for our great nation defending what we all hold most sacred. These brave men and women in our military deserve our respect who do what they do best and some even give up their lives for the greater good.
I think all parents should teach their children at home about their sacrifice and teachers in all our schools should do the same.
This teenager for his punishment ought to be made to a read a book about Murphy by Marcus Lutrell called, “Lone Survivor,” who served with him. Then maybe he will come to a greater understanding of what he had done to a memory of a true American Hero.
He should also after the memorial is finished be there for the dedication and to say how sorry he is to the parents of Lt. Michael P. Murphy.
That in my book as a veteran would be a just punishment.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Mineola
