MEMORIAL DAY- A STORY WORTH REPEATING….
I posted this story last year on Memorial Day, but it is such an important one I decided to make it a tradition this year! I hope you enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend. I am spending the day with my family and hope you are doing the same! See you on Wednesday…
Last night I sat down with the Sunday paper to cut coupons until I remembered that there aren’t any coupons on holiday weekends. So as I was reading the paper I came across the “Parade” insert that is always included. The front page showed a picture of two headstones at Arlington National Cemetery. The title of the story was “A Memorial Day Tribute–Forever United” written by Barry Yeoman.
As the mother of a Marine deployed in Afghanistan for a year my biggest fear was that dreaded visit telling me my son would not be coming home. I had nightmares all of the time. The very last curve on my way home from work was the hardest to drive. I would actually sneak up on my own house. Scared to death to see a foreign car in the driveway. I often pictured driving straight past my house so I could not be given the awful news. It’s been a couple of years now, but I can still remember those fears quite vividly.
The story I read was of two boys who went to the Naval Academy together. They became the best of friends, even their families became friends. Travis L. Manion and Brendan Looney. They cheered each other on and pushed each other to succeed.
Travis was deployed first. While on patrol he was killed trying to draw enemy fire away from two injured soldiers. He died on April 27th, 2007. He was only 26 years old. Brendan was devastated as you can imagine, but he wanted to make his best friend proud. He was deployed to Iraq in 2008, two days after his wedding. He went on 58 successful missions. On September 21, 2010, he flew on his last mission where his helicopter crashed killing him and 8 other soldiers.
Travis was originally buried in Pennsylvania close to his parents home. After Brendan’s death, it was decided that they should be buried next to each other in Arlington National Cemetery. Travis was moved, and in death as they were throughout their lives they are side by side for eternity.
It was a very moving article. The sister of Travis Manion started a foundation in his name that helps returning veterans acclimate to life back at home through a mentoring program. Brendan’s wife Amy works there also. Travis’ father co-authored a book about Travis and Brendan’s friendship titled “Brothers Forever”.
Remember to:
Appreciate the good, laugh at the crazy, and deal with the rest.
I love you, momma!
I saw that article as well and really enjoyed it. I don’t read Parade that often, but this weekend I had the time to!
I usually don’t have time to read it either, but I am so glad I didn’t miss it! I really touched my heart. Thanks for sharing Scott.
I can not even imagine the pain of losing a child to war. As a pacifist, it is even more intolerable, if that were possible.
I have thought about it alot because of the situation and I don’t know how the parents get through it.
Thanks for letting us know about this heart touching story. I still have my newspaper here, I’ll have to make it a must save. Great catch.
You are so welcome Paula!
wow that is an amazing story.. they died to young, keeping us safe.. I thank them and everyone who is keeping us safe.
It is a very sad truth. We have lost 2300 soldiers to this war.
Thank you so much for this and the reminder that our freedom isn’t free!
You are so right Becky the costs are quite high!
Happy Memorial Day to all the military and vets.
What a great outlook Michelle F.
This broke my heart. My brother is in the Canadian Armed Forces and while he is stationed in Canada at the present moment, I always fear that one day, he may get shipped over seas.
This has to be the worst nightmare for so many loved ones. THank you for sharing this and making it known that your holiday isn’t just a holiday, it is to honour those who serve your wonderful country.
Thank you Kimberly, I understand your fear very well. Having siblings, spouses or children in harms way is very scary we just have to trust that they are trained well and God will look out for them.
I Don’t Know How You Do It I Wouldn’t EVER Sleep Again Great Story!!
It was a very hard time for our family Lisa but thankfully my son came back whole and there are so many other families that didn’t get this lucky. My heart goes out to all of them.
I fear for my sons to join because of war but than I think I would be so proud if they did join.
It’s a mixed bag Rebecca. On one hand you are scared to death but on the other you are so unbelievably proud of them.
Thank you for sharing just a great story. We owe everything to then men and women who have served.
You are so right Katrina!
This is such a touching story thanks for sharing..
Thank you Leira!
Such a heart breaking yet uplifting story. Thank you to all the men and women who died protecting this country. Thank you for sharing this with us.
You are so welcome Julie!
These guys are heroes for safeguarding the world’s safety.
You are so right Franc1
I salute and admire people who do these kinds of causes. The time, heart, and commitment they devote are truly inspiring and admirable.
It takes a special kind of person that is for sure Russ!
Thank you for sharing about the non-profit foundation. My husband is Air National Guard and has volunteered on rescue and rebuilding efforts throughout his career. He went on a dig for a dead body in the landfills and he helped out in the aftermath of the Colorado floods last year where highways were washed away. Next year he’s off to Korea for 3+ months. Thankfully he’s not active duty. I always wonder how much of his outward behavior stems from his combat experience. Blessings~
You husband sounds like a wonderful hero Meredith. I hope the foundation can help you! It must be very lonely for you as well.
That is just a very sad story, but yet so touching that they’re buried near each other.
I have thought of little else since I read the story Liz, it has touched my heart so much. I am saddened by the loss of these two families but so hopeful of what came out of their tragedy.
What a touching story about the TRUE meaning of Memorial’s Day. We so often take for granted all who sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you for sharing, thank you for being the mother of a Marine, and thank you for your son’s service!!!
Thank you so much Jen!
My daughter is 17 and considering joining the reserves. As admirable as it is, she is my only child and all of my fears of losing her could become reality.
That is a very scary decision Kristin and I don’t envy you. Each person has to make their own choices in this life and we as parents have to support them no matter what but it is hard to do when you are scared for their safety. What we did when our son came to us at 18 was told him to take a year think seriously about it and if he still felt that way at 19 we would support him wholeheartedly. He left two days after his 19th birthday.
I do not get the paper but what a touching article. It’s so important that we remember those who have sacrificed everything for us.
It is so funny Michelle this was my first week of newspaper delivery service! I usually buy them just for the coupons but decided since there weren’t any this week to check out what else was in there.
Thanks!
love that first photo
It’s the actual stories of families and their sacrifices that make the holiday such a difficult day. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a mom or because I’m a mom of 2 boys or just because I’m human, but those stories always break my heart.
I think it is all of those things! Thanks Karen.
My nephew spent his entire career in the armed forces overseas – we are so blessed that he was one of the safe ones. My heart goes out to the families of those who cannot say that.
Carol Graham recently posted…Letter of Gratitude from an Old Dog
I know! I thank God everyday that my son came back home in one piece. So many lives lost it’s heartbreaking!
Thanks for sharing this again Rena. I can’t even imagine. So glad your son is home safe. Hope you had a great weekend!
Lana recently posted…A Winery And Mick Jagger
This story made me cry but you’re right, it’s worth reading and worth repeating.
I cannot imagine how you felt, sneaking up on your house day after day hoping not to see a car you don’t recognize. I bet there are quite a lot of moms in this country (and others) who know exactly how you felt.
bakinginatornado recently posted…Tie Not the Knot