Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends � John 15:13....and his country
An 18-year-old young man went into battle for his country, T&T on March 20, 2001 and went down in the line of duty courageously defending his country. He sustained neck and spinal injuries...paralysed from the neck down. All his physical prowess and potential...paralysed. Though unable to physically walk he walked stronger than ever in faith. He prayed and was resolute in his faith that one day he would again defend the people of T&T. On March 9, 2003 at 21 years he died. On that day our nation mourned his death and celebrated his life.
Gone too soon. With each passing year of his death it seemed that he had also been.... Forgotten too soon. Who was this young man who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending his country, T&T? He was a son, brother, cherished friend. He was our courageous captain, the former Under-20 football captain, Marvin Lee.Let us pay our respect by commemorating his life.Marvin Jeremiah Lee was born on November 2, 1981. He was born in Port-of-Spain General Hospital to a single, 16-year-old mother, Dawn Warrick. He was her first born, her everything. He grew up with his mother and grandmother, Roslyn Samuel in Mon Repos Road, Morvant.
It was on these streets at the tender age of seven that Marvin's love for football was first manifested. There were times he ran away to play the game he loved even though he knew he would be reprimanded for his actions. He loved football and could not stay away.His primary school days were spent at Nelson Street Boys' RC School. He then went on to play football at Belmont Junior Secondary School. During this time he also played youth football for St Francois Valley Road Football Club. Upon taking the 14+ exam, he was transferred to Tranquillity Government Secondary School, where he not only played football but also showed promise with the bat. He could have been a cricketer but his first love had his heart.
In his final year, Marvin distinguished himself as a passionate and skilful defender.
With the support and guidance of his coach at Tranquil, he tried out for the national U-20 football team. He earned the title of captain not only because of his undeniable skill but because of his depth of character. He was a natural born leader with a big heart. One could have only imagined what heights he could have soared.
On his tombstone these words are inscribed:Leave smiles so strong and gentle
Leave behind fond memories
Like footprints in the sand of time
That when your name gets mentioned
Your faith, strength and courage is remembered.
Marvin Lee: A star who stood tall in his day of adversity
And never surrendered to defeat or self pity
Yes he played his last game scored his last goal
By faith he walked again, though never seen by natural man
Today marks the 10th anniversary of his death. How have we as a people defended Marvin as he once defended us? How will we as a people pay our respect and express through our actions an eternal gratitude to not only Marvin but to any man or women who have fallen in defense of T&T?Later, today a memorial mass will be held at the New Beginning Ministry, 7 Mexico Road, Eastern Main Road, Wallerfield, Arima, from 5.30 pm.