Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Monday, May 29, marks Memorial Day. Perhaps the unofficial start of summer. For some, perhaps, a day to indulge, or over-indulge. For others, a well-earned day of rest. For all of us, however, this is a day to remember our nation’s fallen.
Whether you align yourself to the political right, the left, the center, or anywhere in between on any number of issues, this is on day we stand together for those who can stand no more.
We do not honor the living — though we certainly thank them for their service.
We honor the dead, those who left us far too soon, and much too young, while fighting wars of necessity or choice. These are they who gave their all so that we might have all.
Our remembrance of our nation’s fallen will happen on the Village Green in Park Forest, beginning at 11 a.m.
Come, gather with your family, your friends, your neighbors. Before the grill is lit, before television, before the picnics, gather on the Village Green to remember our nation’s fallen heroes.
Here are just a few who recently gave their lives in service to our country, staring back at us from eternity:
Staff Sgt. Alexandria Mae Morrow
The Department of Defense announced on March 23 the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Staff Sgt. Alexandria Mae Morrow, 25, of Dansville, NY, died March 22, in Southwest Asia, while performing maintenance duties in support of combat operations. The incident is under investigation.
She was assigned to the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.
Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren
The Department of Defense announced March 30 the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren, 25, of Umatilla, Oregon, died March 28 in northern Syria in a non-combat-related incident while deployed in support of combat operations.
He was assigned to the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
Staff Sgt. Mark R. De Alencar
The Department of Defense announced April 10 the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Staff Sgt. Mark R. De Alencar, 37, of Edgewood, Maryland, died April 8 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations.
De Alencar was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
Sgt. Joshua P. Rodgers and Sgt. Cameron H. Thomas
The Department of Defense announced April 28 the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. They died April 27 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, as a result of small arms fire while engaged in dismounted operations. Both soldiers were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. The incident is under investigation.
Killed were:
Sgt. Joshua P. Rodgers, 22, of Bloomington, Illinois.
Sgt. Cameron H. Thomas, 23, of Kettering, Ohio.
1st Lt. Weston C. Lee
The Department of Defense announced April 30 the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
1st Lt. Weston C. Lee, 25, of Bluffton, Georgia, died April 29, in Mosul, Iraq, from injuries while conducting security as part of advise and assist support to partnered forces. The incident is under investigation.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Kyle Milliken
The Department of Defense announced May 6 the death of a U.S. Navy sailor who was in support of a Somali National Army-led operation with U.S. Africa Command. Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Kyle Milliken, 38, of Falmouth, Maine, was killed during an operation against al-Shabaab on May 5 in a remote area approximately 40 miles west of Mogadishu.
He was assigned to an East Coast based special warfare unit.
Spc. Etienne J. Murphy
The Department of Defense announced May 27 the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Spc. Etienne J. Murphy, 22, of Loganville, Georgia, died May 26, in Al-Hasakah, Syria, of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover related incident. The incident is under investigation.
Murphy was assigned to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia.
Source: defense.gov
