On Memorial Day, our nation honors our fallen heroes—those who made the ultimate sacrifice. For me, however, Memorial Day is every day. The sacrifices of these brave men and women are constantly in my heart, serving as a reminder that their loss was not in vain and that we all must strive to make this nation and the world a better place.
I grew up as a “military brat,” with my dad being a retired Air Force NCO. I was raised in my hometown’s American Legion and VFW, surrounded by a group of honorable veterans who often shared a tear or two as they talked about their friends who did not come home. Our local VFW post is named after one such hero, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Robert Topham Jr., who sacrificed his life on February 22, 1969, in Vietnam. Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day, his name is read, and old friends gather to share stories, ensuring his life will never be forgotten.
This past Veterans Day, I had the honor of representing EANGUS at Arlington Cemetery, where I presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor all Veterans. This Memorial Day, Eugene Bradley, EANGUS Area IV Chair, will be honored to present a wreath in remembrance of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This is not my first visit to Arlington National Cemetery; I was here in March of 2010 to lay to rest SGT William Spencer, who lost his life in service to this country in Iraq. While we were paying our last respects to the family at the gravesite, a gentleman about ten yards away stood by himself, waiting for the final volley to be fired. He approached us to offer his condolences to the family, and that gentleman was John M. McHugh, United States Secretary of the Army. He fully understood SGT Spencer’s sacrifice and wanted the family to know how grateful this nation is and that their loved one will not be forgotten, nor will he be forgotten in my heart. As we observe Memorial Day, many more stories will be like SGT Spencer’s.
As I reflect on the many brave sacrifices made, I would be remiss if I did not honor our Gold Star Families. These families are some of the most resilient and warm-hearted individuals I have ever met, and they will not be forgotten.
As you go about your weekend, please take a moment to look to the sky to reflect and pay homage to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s okay to shed a tear or two; I know I will.
Robert Sweeney
CSM (Ret.) U.S. Army
EANGUS President
