Celebrating Cpl. Gurpreet “Gopi” Singh

gopi.jpgWriting a post such as this can be difficult.  A war has gone on for far too long.  I do not believe there can be an end-game, other than the action that President Obama is beginning to take.  American soldiers must leave Afghanistan.  This post is about one that did not.

I don’t know much about Cpl. Gurpreet Singh.  The Sacramento Bee provides a few brief notes about his military career:

A Marine from the Sacramento area has died in combat while fighting in Afghanistan.

Cpl. Gurpreet Singh, 21, of Antelope, died June 22 from wounds suffered in combat operations in Helmand province, the Department of Defense announced today.

Singh, an infantryman, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton.

The Marines said Singh enlisted on Nov. 5, 2007. He served two combat deployments.

His service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

“The Marines and sailors of the 1st Marine Division mourn the loss of Cpl. Singh,” stated a Camp Pendleton press release. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.” [link]

I spent the night trying to read and learn about one of our fallen brothers.  What was he like?  What were his dreams?  I learned he was an only son.  I learned Gopi loved the Marines.  I learned that he loved his family.

I write this post to provide a place to celebrate his life.  I hope that we can avoid criticism/support of the war in Afghanistan in the comments in this post [a separate space can be provided for that].

Since the wars begun post-9/11 a number of our brothers and sisters have fought.  A number did not return. Uday Singh Taunque was once a name celebrated, but maybe as most names of fallen soldiers, forgotten far too quickly.

I hope that here in The Langar Hall, we can create a space for his friends, family, and fellow Marines to share with the sangat some stories, details, and anecdotes about the young man.  Maybe here in our Langar Hall we can remember and reflect.

From whence you came, you return.  May Waheguru give strength to those that remain.

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12 Responses to “Celebrating Cpl. Gurpreet “Gopi” Singh”

  1. Jassi Singh says:

    Semper Fi. RIP Marine.

  2. Ajaib Kaur says:

    May your family and close ones be at peace. We look forward to hearing from those who shared memories of you and the wonderful life you came here to live.

  3. K S Mathoda says:

    Semper Fi sums it up pretty well! May you RIP with our thanks. May some of these words bring a semblance of peace to your parents.
    Thank you.

  4. Omar Singh says:

    He will definitely find his spot resting comfortably with the Singh that we praise in our ardas every night. rest In peave little brother.

  5. kantay says:

    He seemed like he had the heart of a lion. Seeing the people in the video gives a sense of appreciation for the people in our military.

  6. kimat singh says:

    Dear Soldier Singh, thankyou for your sacrifice, and thank Wahiguru ji for you, may you rest in Sachkand, K Singh UK

  7. stuart says:

    he wasnt an only child he had a sister and a brother.

  8. DilpreetK says:

    Moving pictures from his funeral: http://fairoaks.patch.com/articles/hundreds-mourn

  9. D Singh says:

    Disgraceful that he was even there. He had a choice to be part of an invading force. Anyone genuine Singh wouldnt be part of this terrible terrible force. Don't glorify him.

  10. Thank you for sharing the post, let us know about the story out there.
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