Today is the 15th anniversary of murder of Lamar soldier in terrorist bombing

When we think of terrorism in the United States, we naturally think of the horrible events of Sept. 11, 2001, but a little over three years earlier, Americans, including Staff Sgt. Kenneth Hobson of Lamar, were victims of a bombing at the U. S. embassy in Kenya.

That bombing, like the one Sept. 11, 2001, was masterminded by Al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

Today is the 15th anniversary of the bombing of the Kenya embassy and the anniversary occurs at a time when the U. S. has temporarily shut down 23 embassies after discovering that Al Qaida is once again plotting terror.

John Hacker and Ron Graber provided the coverage for The Carthage Press on Aug. 19, 1998, when a memorial service for Hobson was held at the Thiebaud Auditorium in Lamar. John's story led with the words of Debbie Hobson, who not only lost a husband, and the father to their infant daughter Megan, but was attending a memorial service on the eve of their fourth wedding anniversary.

"I still can't say goodbye to him today, because he's still in my heart and I can't stop thinking about him," Mrs. Hobson said to an audience or more than 500 who came to show their appreciation for Kenneth Hobson's service and ultimate sacrifice. Hobson was a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.

One of the speakers was then Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt, who said, "It is with great humility today that I stand here representing the American people in appreciation of Sgt. Kenneth Hobson's life. In the Scriptures, it says, 'No greater love hath any man than that he lay down his life for another.' That was what Sgt. Hobson did, and he did it for us. He did it so we can have the freedom that America so uniquely enjoys. America will continue to be the land of the free because it is the home of the brave."

Blunt continued, "His sacrifice and the sacrifice of his family are evidenced today by the medals and recognition that he will not see, but that his family will hold for him since he is not here. The Legion of Merit, the Purple Heart, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal were all earned in a sacrifice that few of us are asked to make."

"The cowardly terrorists who did this must know that there is a price to pay, and they must be made to pay it."