Thanks to You All! (From the Gibbons Family, written July 2nd)

When we started this journey on the 11th of April, 2006, we could not have comprehended the support, empathy, love, sorrow, patriotism, sacrifice, faith, belief in our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ, and belief in this great nation, (The United States of America), evidenced the past 11 weeks by countless Americans and so many others that have supported us. 

We know that there are thousands that support Devon, his fellow wounded warriors, and those continuing to carry the fight to preserve our freedom in addition to those that we received Email and cards of support from.  Support came from not only those in the United States, but from many other countries as well, including various religious beliefs and backgrounds, as well as different political views.

That is what makes this country so wonderful, and us blessed to live here. Even though we may not all have the same views, the majority supports those that are serving, fighting and sacrificing so we have the freedom to be different, and to be free from fear. That is why Devon joined the Army, to fight for freedom and to keep us free from fear, and there was no one that could keep him from doing what he really believed in.

Our son, PFC Devon James Gibbons, was laid to rest with Full Military Honors on July 1st, 2006 in Port Orchard Washington. Devon's family, extended family, many who knew him and taught him as he attended church and school, most of his friends and many who did not even know him personally witnessed the laying to rest of a loving son and brother, a faithful friend, a selfless loving individual, a fierce warrior, and a true American hero.

There were many tears shed that day, (and are still being shed). Some because we will miss Devon and will not see him again on this earth.  Some because our lives will be less full without his winning smile and quick witted ways. We believe that many of them were tears of pride welling up inside of us for Devon, and what he stands for. Pride in having known him and loved him, of having a part in his life, and for some, pride in just knowing of him. 

It is guys like Devon who make us proud to be Americans.  It is guys like Devon who give us hope for the future of America even when at times it seems hard to have hope. It is guys like Devon who "must" inspire the rest of us to step up and do what we can to ensure the safety and well being of our families, our children and our future.

We would like to thank many, many people. We may forget some, (if we do please forgive us but there are far too many supporters to name all the names, and there are many we would like to thank and do not even know their names). We will do our best to personally thank as many of you as we can. Our lives, though greatly changed now with the truths we have learned this past 11 weeks, must continue on.

Special thanks to our Fire, Sheriff and Police Departments, the Patriot Guard and Freedom Riders that honored Devon and ensured the procession and everything associated went smoothly.  It was truly an impressive sight to see the signs of support and flags of the United States along the route, and that were held along the entrance to the cemetery as we entered.  The servicemen from the US Army, Ft. Lewis that honored Devon performed flawlessly, We do need to mention Capt. Mackin and 1st Sgt. Maney, from Ft. Hood, their dedication to Devon and their fellow soldiers will be an inspiration to us for the rest of our lives.

We have witnessed a community coming together in support of (a person we consider) a hero, and family that many did not even know 11 weeks ago.  It is our prayer that we might keep this community spirit strong and vibrant.  We know that , as we like to rhyme it, "Devon is in Heaven", and he is with his battle buddies that preceded him, and all his relatives were welcoming him with love and open arms. Most importantly he now feels the Love of our Savior Jesus Christ, and that through the Atonement and Resurrection, if we live our lives in the manner Jesus Christ has shown  us, we will be with Devon and our families through the Eternities.

May the Lord bless each of us, as we celebrate our Independence Day tomorrow, and help us to always remember the true price of freedom, paid willingly by so many throughout our history.
"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE"

Mel, Bonnie, Ryan, David, Andrew, Adam, & Jacob Gibbons