1LT Joseph Theinert

[RPOLS3]

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[1970Ls6]

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[JJEH]

RIP [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

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Today, a great honor was paid to Joe as The South Ferry Co. of Shelter Island, where he worked summers, recommissioned one of their boats in his name. His brother Jimbo is a Captain on the ferry and also works summers while earning his masters degree.

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[x Baldwin Motion]

From the local paper last week. Worth the read.
SI Reporter

<span style="font-size: 14pt">A tribute to Lt. Joe Theinert</span>

PROSE &amp; COMMENTS

By Greg Lane

The South Ferry slid across the tranquil water like a gilded chariot bound for the ever-after, protected by a universal silence and no questions, Pearly Gates unattended as Saint Peter stood tall with open arms. When the honor guard commenced, gallantly escorting his remains, gone was the constant fear ignorance breeds, instantly replaced by an indescribable emotion reserved for the unworthy left behind. Thousands were drawn to a place they would rather not, summoned by an invisible spirit that has no definition in any tongue and leaves even the most learned dumbfounded. Then and there we were symbolically brought to our knees in appreciation; then and there the notion of greatness humbled every witness.

Hours later, the North Ferry ushered us from hallowed ground, a place we didn't belong, towards lives, with unlimited options yet commanded by selfish motives. Freedom created a clear path heading from shore demonstrating what Lieutenant Joseph Theinert found at an all-too-early age, an understanding of purpose that continues to elude the undeserving to this day, creating a yearning for one moment of truth knowing who we are and what is meant to be. What made no sense only weeks ago had somehow become something else. Once a festering disease with no hope for recovery, our incredible sorrow began to heal like a dormant tree in early spring, not because we forget, but because Joe would want it no other way. His tree will grow so tall and lush all others will seem invisible.&amp;#8233;

For the rest of my life each ferry ride will serve another purpose, its duration simply matter of fact and final destination meaningless. But the entire time I will focus on these things and nothing else: the purity of the ride, the importance of the moment, the freedom he nurtured in his soul. I will not forget the sacrifice he willingly embraced, never overlook or take for granted the seeds of hope he left behind. I will remember Joe and forget the insanity that will forever surround us until we finally find the courage to spread our wings and fly away.

[RPOLS3]

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[Dog427435]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RPOLS3</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img] </div></div>



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