On March 27, 2007, just a few weeks before Marc Golczynski was to return home from his second tour in Iraq — one he volunteered for — he was shot on patrol and killed by enemy fire in al-Aanbar province.
During a moment at the burial, his 8 year old son, Christian, stepped forward to receive the flag for his father. The expression of grief on his young face was captured in a photo and became a powerful symbol for soldiers, their families and anyone who sees it. On this Memorial Day please remember the heroes that never made it back but also the families left behind. Credit: Facebook
Mark’s family today
Marine Staff Sgt. Marcus A. Golczynski, Died March 27, 2007 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom
LEWISBURG, Tenn. — A Middle Tennessee Marine died from wounds suffered during combat operations in Iraq, the Department of Defense announced March 29.
Staff Sgt. Marcus A. Golczynski, 30, from Lewisburg, died March 27 from injuries sustained in Anbar province, according to a news release.
No further details of the incident were reported by the department, but earlier news accounts reported only one Marine death that day in the province, a hotbed of Sunni Arab insurgents west of Baghdad.
He is the son of Elaine Huffines, a teacher at Forrest School in Chapel Hill, and Henry Golczynski, the co-owner of Franklin’s Printworks in Murfreesboro.
According to a statement from his father, the Marine was only two weeks away from the end of his second deployment in Iraq.
“Marc knew what was worth fighting for and had the courage and strength to fight for it,” the family’s statement said. “He was willing to give it his all … and did, with honor. We owe a debt of gratitude that we will never be able to pay.”
Golczynski was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, in Nashville. He joined the Marine Corps in 1995.
According to the family, Golczynski wrote in an e-mail that he felt called to return to Iraq.
“Many of us volunteered to do this a second time due to our deep desire to finish the job we started,” Golczynski wrote.
Funeral arrangements have not been set.
I never forgot this very sweet little boy! My deepest sorror in the killing of this young boys father!! And the thousands of others! Thank you for giving a grateful Nathan a Hero your Dad! God bless you! I’m so very sorry that you will be forced to stand alone! My thoughts and love our with you always. Your not alone!
I tear up ever time I see this photo. It brings comfort to me to see this young man older with a smile on his face.
very sad story. Take care!