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Parents:  'We gave him to the nation'

Posted: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 4:06 PM
Filed Under:

By John Rutherford, Producer, NBC News, Washington

WASHINGTON - Thomas and Romayne McGinnis were physically and emotionally exhausted after three days of ceremonies surrounding the posthumous awarding of the Medal of Honor to their son Ross.
 
Army Pfc. Ross McGinnis, 19, died Dec. 6, 2006, when he fell on a grenade in Adhamiyah, Iraq, saving the lives of four of his comrades. For his heroics, President Bush presented the military's highest honor to his parents at a White House ceremony on Monday.

Since the beginning of World War II, only 850 Medals of Honor have been awarded and according to the medalofhonor.com, there are only 123 living recipients.

Image: Tom and Romayne McGinnis, and George W. Bush
AFP
President Bush looks on after presenting the Medal of Honor to Thomas and Romayne McGinnis, the parents of Army Pfc. Ross McGinnis, of Knox, Pa.on June 2. 

"It's been a rough week," his father said today, shortly before flying home to Knox, Pa.

"It's been very good, though," his mother said. "The Army has taken care of us, tremendously."

"Yep, they've treated us very well," his dad said. "I mean, it's spilled over from here to the White House and then the Pentagon."

The ceremonies began on Monday at the White House. The next day Pfc. McGinnis was inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes. And today his headstone at Arlington National Cemetery was unveiled with Medal of Honor inscribed on it.

VIDEO: Teen killed in Iraq awarded Medal of Honor

After the brief Arlington ceremony, a large group of family and friends lined up to console Pfc. McGinnis' family. There were hugs, tears and occasional laughter. I asked the McGinnises, as they were leaving, what was running through their minds.

"Pride, honor," his mother Romayne said.

"Well, it's all these people here to support us," his father Thomas said. "It's really helped us so much, and there's these people and hundreds more like them that have helped us over the past 18 months to really keep going."

"And as Ross' story goes out," Romayne said, "there will be more. We gave him to the nation. We're sharing him with the nation."

"Yep, he's pretty much public property now," Thomas said.

"That's a good thing," Romayne said. "That's a good thing."

Ross McGinnis would have turned 21 years old next Saturday.

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Comments

God bless that young man that George Bush stole from his family.

Ron bennett,Lubbock,Tx (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 8:42 PM)

WOW!!!
What A Hero!!!

Ryan, Anchorag, Alaska (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 8:45 PM)

He has shown no greater love for his follow man then to give his own life for them. And this means he has gone straight to heaven, or so the bible says.

Robert A. Atkins, jr. (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 8:48 PM)

Well done, good and faithful servant. Remember you are in our prayers.

Terence Whalen (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 8:52 PM)

Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis - you are in my thoughts and prayers. I thank your son for his sacrafice and I thank you for raising such a wonderful son.

Leslee Martin, Jacksonville, FL (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 8:59 PM)

The parents of this fine soldier should take solace in knowing their son died in the defense of his country and in the defense of his fellow man.  They also should take great pride in their son's actions.  Even the Medal of Honor doesn't honor his self-sacrifice.  My deepest sympathies and thanks.

Tom Alexandria, VA (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 8:59 PM)

My deepest sympathy and heartfelt thanks to this family for their son's sacrifice.  I don't care what anyone's political feelings are about this matter--they have lost their son and that's what this is about.

Thank you Thomas and Romayne.  Your son, Ross, is a precious gift to this country.

Deborah, Cleveland OH (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:01 PM)

Semper Fidelis! From a grateful former Marine.

Jay Perez, Tampa, Florida (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:11 PM)

To McGinnis family,
  Im very proud of your son.  He is a heroe.  Reading about his story brought tears to my eyes.  I am reminded of my brief service in the United States Army 20 years ago when I joined at 18 years old.  I am now a police officer in Florida and proud of what I do.  Your son was a very brave man and I salute him.  I also salute the rest of our troops who keeps us safe on a daily basis.  My prayers go to you and your family and your son.  Stay strong and be proud.  God Bless.

Drew Echeverria, Orlando Florida (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:31 PM)

God bless, Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis.  May the Creator, in all manifestations, be with all families who have lost loved ones in war.  Regardless of you position on war, remember those who have lost someone.

Bill Puckett, Idaho (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:41 PM)

To young people like him, Thank you. Your sacrifice gives us freedom. Thank you a million times over. And to his parents, you have done a wonderful job raising a human being, we all seem to have forgotten what we should be like.

Jackie S., Lynnwood, WA (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:46 PM)

God bless the McGinnis family and Ross McGinnis. He made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us and I for one thank God we have fine young men like him. If more people cared for their country and neighbors like the McGinnis's this country wouldn't be in the mess we are in.The name McGinnis will always have a special place in my heart.
God Bless America

Paul A. McCollom II (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:46 PM)

Please allow me to share something with you. JESUS
told us in the Book of John 15:13 "Greater Love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." I as many others pray for each of you daily. And I pray that Our LORD takes the garments of heaviness from each of you and gives each of you garments of comfort. May GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU! You all are Loved more then you'll ever know this side of Heaven.

patty, Belmont, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:53 PM)

Ross McGinnis went beyond being courageous but, his  death did not have to happen. Will this supposedly great nation ever learn, war is not the answer. I think not as long as those that declare and promote war don't fight or die in them. It's a real shame the McGinnis' like so many others have lost a loved one. What can a nation or person possibly say to comfort these families? A medal of honor = a man's life? NOT!
As a man who served his country and who's father gave his life for; the greatest thing we can give is love. My father gave me love and I can assure you it didn't come packaged in bombs or bullets. Love brings true peace. Stop the senseless killing! Bring them all home while they're still alive.

Richard Borden,Swansea,Massachusetts (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:54 PM)

He was a hero, but the parents did not give him to anything.  He undoubtedly joined voluntarily, went through the training voluntarily, and, as I understand,voluntarily hopped on the grenade.  He gave himself.  His parents taught him right from wrong and honor and integrity.

Donal H. Ziegenbein, Lincoln NE (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:56 PM)

Ross McGinnis went beyond being courageous but, his  death did not have to happen. Will this supposedly great nation ever learn, war is not the answer. I think not as long as those that declare and promote war don't fight or die in them. It's a real shame the McGinnis' like so many others have lost a loved one. What can a nation or person possibly say to comfort these families? A medal of honor = a man's life? NOT!
As a man who served his country and who's father gave his life for; the greatest thing we can give is love. My father gave me love and I can assure you it didn't come packaged in bombs or bullets. Love brings true peace. Stop the senseless killing! Bring them all home while they're still alive.

Richard Borden,Swansea,Massachusetts (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 9:56 PM)

I just want to say that Army Pfc McGinnis was a brave young soul. I can't thank him and all of our other men and women that fight for our country. If  not for them, our country would not be the country it is today. I thank all of them for our freedom. Thank you Pfc McGinnis for all you've done and to all of our men and women. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, as are the families.

Kiley Munoz. Yreka, CA (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 10:00 PM)

Thank you and many brave others who have served and gave their life for the price of freedom. Your dedication and devotion to your country will never be forgotten your heroism is an example to all those who come against the enemies of war and terror. May you find peace and serenity for all eternity.

Wayman (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 10:01 PM)

Army Pfc. Ross McGinnis, thank you for your service to this country and for protecting our freedoms.  God Bless your family in this difficult time.  You will be missed.

Mary Doe, Sacramento CA (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 10:05 PM)

Heroes really NEVER die. I salute you, Ross.Such is the stuff of courage

Malcolm O'Brien, Siparia, Trinidad&Tobago (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 10:05 PM)

He will not be forgotten. That was a very heroic thing your son did. I'm in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. I'm sorry for your loss, I wish I could have met your son, I would have been honored.

Sarah Enquist (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 10:31 PM)

What an incredibly brave thing to do, knowing that without his act they would possibly all die; although, if he put his life on the line, perhaps only he would die.  This man was mature beyond his years.  Talk about needing "critical thinking process" classes in college-age kids, this young man obviously had his critical thinking pathways clearly mapped out by his values and moral conscience, and put into action, he was and is all our Hero. I'm certain many others who joined this cause believe the same way.  What an example to all of us!! Makes us want to try hard to live up to His expectations, for we can all try to do "the right thing" whatever our situation and wherever we find outselves in this life.  My best and sincere thank you to his family.

Margery Hubbard, Marysville, California (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 10:34 PM)

What a beautiful story.  G-d bless the family.

Tania, NY (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 10:38 PM)

Our great young men, who so valiently die with honor, their families should forever be proud of their sacrifice and NO ONE should ever tell them that they died for anything other than honor and bravery.  This young man died so others could live and his name should echo in our schools as a symbol of what it means to  a human being, he did not think of himself, hethought of his comrads and they are alive to tell his brave tale.
God Bless his family, his friends and his memory.  We American's too often do not show the love, respect and pride for these brave men.  If you like commenting at will, thank a soldier.  God  Bless

Tammi Owens, LeRoy, NY (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 10:48 PM)

Take that, Cindy Shehann!!!!

Bernard Kerman, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:02 PM)

Truly a tragedy and the family should be honored. Unfortunately, it was to line the pockets of draft-dodging George W. Bush and his lying, wicked band of cohorts that they gave their son to, not the nation. The nation is suffering daily with the loss of heroes like these young, brave men.

john o (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:03 PM)

The family should have thrown that medal right in Bush's face! He is the reason their son is dead. He did not die to protect his country or our freedom. He died for Bush's folly. We should all be proud of his incredible bravery, but he should have been safe at home rather than fighting for a lost cause.

Jan (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:09 PM)

This story brought tears to my eyes and fear to my heart.  I have one son, who will turn 15 in a few weeks.  He's still my baby in so many ways.  To think that Ross McGinnis was only 4 years older than my baby....my heart goes out to the McGinnis', and the parents and families and all our armed forces.  I'll say a prayer for you tonight, after I kiss my baby.

B Easterling (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:29 PM)

Thank for your most precious gift to all of us.

John Fraser (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:32 PM)

God Bless this lad and his parents and family.  He has made the supreme sacrifice in answer to his Country's call and in doing so thought only of his buddies welfare.  

James Campbell Winnipeg Manitoba Canada (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:34 PM)

Your son is a hero.

Bill Riley, Clear Lake, MN (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:53 PM)

My prayers and thoughts are with your family. How proud you must be of your son, but at the same time the loss and grief reaches the depth of your very soul. For him to give his life so others may live that is the greatest sacrifice of all, he protected his fellow soldiers, he could have jumped out.  What a hero and a great man your son was.  Thank you for raising him and thank you for being the kind of parents and family you are.  My family is military so I do know what you are dealing with on an every day basis.  God be with your family in the years to come. May you find peace and joy in your lives.

M. Miner (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:57 PM)

I can't begin to imagine the pain these nice people have gone thru.  Losing a son or daughter has to be the worst emotional pain there is.  My heart goes out to them.  

What is so sad is that their loss is aggravated by the unnecessary nature of this war in Iraq. The article doesn't say how the McGinnis' feel about that.  But,I, for one, would be furious with this administration if Ross were my son.

A precious life gone, for what I ask ?  The Iraqi people ?  The terrorist were in Afghanistan, not Iraq.  How does GW Bush sleep at night after meeting parents like Mr/Mrs McGinnis.

Jeff Clayton Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:57 PM)

I can't begin to imagine the pain these nice people have gone thru.  Losing a son or daughter has to be the worst emotional pain there is.  My heart goes out to them.  

What is so sad is that their loss is aggravated by the unnecessary nature of this war in Iraq. The article doesn't say how the McGinnis' feel about that.  But,I, for one, would be furious with this administration if Ross were my son.

A precious life gone, for what I ask ?  The Iraqi people ?  The terrorist were in Afghanistan, not Iraq.  How does GW Bush sleep at night after meeting parents like Mr/Mrs McGinnis.

Jeff Clayton Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:57 PM)

I am sorry for the McGinnis family's loss, but at the same time, it is always uplifting to see such an act or heroism awarded.

Remember, freedom is not free...so thank a veteran.

Jordan P., Santa Maria, CA (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 12:17 AM)

I feel deep sympathy for the McGinnis family's loss. However, I am very proud of them for the son that they raised. God bless all of you.

Rayma Ford

Rayma Ford, Weatherford, Texas (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 12:20 AM)

Thank you Ross We love you and your Family {our Family} Can we help.............Don Betsy Noah and Mallory

Ferestad Sandwich Il (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 12:26 AM)

My heart and prayers go out to PFC. Mcginnis mother, father, family, and friends. Their son volunteered when others would not. He will always be remembered as a warrior, he will always be remembered as a HERO. He faught the enemy hard, side-be-side with his brothers, and his name will be remembered with those that have gone before him each time a soldier takes a shot of whiskey...this shot is for Ross.

C.D. Robles (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 12:43 AM)

I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO HIS FAMILY...FOR HIS SERVICE AND FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF HIM WHILE HE WAS OVER THERE. I KNOW THAT IT ISNT JUST THE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE SERVICE, IT IS THE FAMILIES THAT ARE HERE THAT GO THRU EVERYTHING WITH THEM..MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOURS.

A LOVING MOM OF A DEPLOYED SOLDIER

Ruth Snelson Godley, TX (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 12:50 AM)

Your son is truly a hero. He understood what it takes to be a soldier and he lived it. While the Medal of Honor will in no way substitute for your loss, it will always remind you of how much your son truly believed in what he was doing; how much he loved you, his fellow man, and America! God Bless.

Proud Air Force Wife, Vandenberg AFB (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 12:55 AM)

This is really sad. I think that a majority of our young men enlist for military service because they can't afford college and can't find decent jobs to support themselves....so they see military service as their only chance at a future....if they come back alive and with any limbs they can get a free education and a job. Our poor ecomoony is killing our young people...literally! yes, they are brave and should be honored when they give their lives, but how about we honor them when they are ALIVE...BY GIVING THEM JOBS AND AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION.

Laurie , Trumansburg NY (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 1:34 AM)

land of the free...yes monitor what we write and if it is not go Bush go u.s. soldiers go go go kill all the Middle Easterners, then what, you dont like it? You people are pathetic and a disgrace to the human race.

outofmycountry (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 2:14 AM)

I offer my deepest condolences to you both He was a true hero,,,,always Dottie

Dorothy dillon,Huntsville,Alabama (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 3:11 AM)

I simply want to thank Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis for raising a son, Ross, whose heroism cannot adequately be defined by words.  Whatever view a person may have of the Iraq war, every American should take one silent moment to honor Army Pfc. Ross McGinnis and his fallen brethren.

Michael Hayes (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 3:28 AM)

These parents are exceptional parents. They seem to totally understand the commitment their son made to his country and his fellow soldiers. My son just returned to Ft. Lewis tonight, from Iraq. I still don't know where to put all the emotions I have regarding his duty. I am grateful and proud of my son and all soldiers brave enough to volunteer. I pray for the strength and wisdom of the McGinnis family. God bless them.

Joni Burley (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 4:59 AM)

Although I do not support the war, this young man who was no more than a teenager showed gallantry and the true meaning of heroicism; he gave up his life protecting those who were along him. If there are still men and women like him in the Armed Forces, there is a glimmer of hopein redeeming our nation's muddled path in the last thirty five years.

Henry John, Obamacity Illinois (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 6:45 AM)

Young men like this are the reason that America is still free and will always be free. "No greater love has a man than to give his life for another". This might not be exactly right but the thought is there. "God bless Him and his parents".

Ray Baldwin, Lehi, Utah (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 7:22 AM)

I'm touched with pride that we still produce men like PFC. Ross, but at the same time, a tear slides down my cheek for the loss of one more of America's children. Will it ever end?

Robert Mann (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 7:53 AM)

God Bless this family , our troops and God Bless America. Semper Fi.

John Murphy (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 8:01 AM)

IT'S HARD TO TYPE THRU THE TEARS

NFFJR, GAINESVILLE,GA (Sent Thursday, June 05, 2008 8:07 AM)



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