Today is Memorial Day here in the United States. It originally began to honor those who lost their lives during the Civil War, then expanded to include those whose sacrifices helped secure victory during World War 1. Now it includes all those who have “made the ultimate sacrifice” and given their lives in military service to the United States of America.
Today my family honors the memory of Sgt. Robert Sweeney III, family member and friend, who lost his life on January 10, 2005--at the age of 22-- while serving our nation in Iraq. Rob graduated high school in 2001 and was a college student pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. He served as a member of the 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) of the Louisiana National Guard.
Rob was killed in action when the Bradley Fighting Vehicle in which he was riding was destroyed by a roadside bomb.
At the time of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 he was a college freshman and already serving in the Louisiana National Guard. In an interview with his home town newspaper a few days later he was quoted as saying, "People like to say our generation are slackers that don't care about anything, but they'll see that's wrong. If they call me up, I'm ready."
Rob is a true American hero who died fighting for his country. We honor his memory today, and our thoughts and prayers go out for all the men and women serving in the military, for their families, for their safety, and for their quick return home.
No comments:
Post a Comment