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| Iraq-Jordan |
| Martyr of the Homeland |
| 2004-12-06 |
| Albania's government on Friday declared that an emigrant who died fighting as a U.S. Marine in Iraq is an Albanian martyr. Cpl. Gentian Marku, 22, of Warren, Mich., was killed in Fallujah on Thanksgiving. He emigrated to the United States at age 14. "Upon the proposal from the premier (Fatos Nano), soldier Gentian Marku was declared a Martyr of Homeland," government spokesman Aldrin Dalipi said. Marku was the second Albanian emigrant killed fighting with U.S. troops in Iraq. Albania, a small, predominantly Muslim country, backed the U.S.-led campaign and has sent 71 of its own troops to Iraq. Marku's body was expected to arrive in Albania on Monday for burial at his home village of Piraj, 40 miles north of the capital, Tirana, accompanied by two Marines. "All the proper honors will be held at his birthplace," Dalipi said. According to a profile posted last year on the Pentagon's Web site, Marku said moving to America transformed him from a trouble-making teen to a respectful, responsible person. "Everything changed when I got to the United States," he said. "I started studying. I stayed out of trouble, and I got my first job as a busboy." Marku, a 2001 graduate of Warren Woods Tower High School, had wanted to be a Warren police officer but could not do so until he was 21. He thought joining the Marines might give him an advantage in the police academy. |
| Posted by:Chuck Simmins |
| #3 Semper Fi Cpl Marku! agreed! |
| Posted by: Frank G 2004-12-06 9:47:46 PM |
| #2 Marku, a 2001 graduate of Warren Woods Tower High School, had wanted to be a Warren police officer but could not do so until he was 21. He thought joining the Marines might give him an advantage in the police academy. 3rd verse "Marine's Hymn" Here's health to you and to our Corps Which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we've fought for life And never lost our nerve. If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven's scenes, They will find the streets are guarded By United States Marines. "Cpl. Gentian Marku reporting for duty...Sir!" Semper Fi Cpl Marku! |
| Posted by: Thraing Ulolurong1664 2004-12-06 9:25:37 PM |
| #1 the profile |
| Posted by: Chuck Simmins 2004-12-06 9:19:13 PM |