Veterans Day 2025 – Principles from a fallen Marine’s Journal live on

By Mark E. Vogler

In his Veterans Day keynote address Tuesday (Nov. 11), retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas J. Grace recalled the words of a fallen Marine who was killed in action while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom in May of 2007 at the age of 34. “I’d like to close with a short writing Major Doug Zembiec wrote in his journal titled ‘Principles my father taught me,’” Lt. Col. Grace told the crowd at Veterans Park.

Major Zembiec had the nickname “The Lion of Fallujah” and was also called “the unapologetic warrior.”

“His words are as prophetic to the Veteran Community as they were to his men,” Lt. Col. Grace said.

Major Zembiec wrote the following in his journal.

• Be a man of principle. Fight for what you believe in.
• Keep your word.
• Serve your country. Teach. Mentor. Give something back to society.
• Lead from the front. Conquer your fears. Be a good friend.
• Be humble and self confident. Appreciate your friends and family.
• Be a leader and not a follower. Be valorous on the field of battle.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Never forget those who were killed and never let rest those that killed them.

Lt. Col. Grace is the senior Marine Instructor in the Salem High School JROTC.

“To my fellow veterans, continue to hold yourselves accountable, continue to live the oath and continue to promote the values that make our military and our nation great,” Lt. Col. Grace said.

“Most importantly, take care of one another. Don’t break each other down. Let us honor our commitment by leading integrity,” he said.