A Soldier's Story

Many posts on many blogs have discussed the use of the soldiers' names that have died in Iraq being used for possible political purposes. For example on the crosses the code pinkos use, as a rolling list of names at the end of the news, even on many liberal/anti-war blogs for "shock" value. Those names belong to the love ones of people across the country. They have not just names, but faces, loved ones, the lives they led before the war. By "name dropping" the respect that these soldiers so richly deserve is not considered.

Recently, a soldier came home to my area of Ohio. He was an Army sergeant who is being remembered by parents, daughters, cousins, friends, and as a local hero. His name is Sergeant Bryan W. Large. More than 550 people attended his funeral. The church where the service was held is also a school and they closed the school so that the children could come to the service, too.

He was in the 307th Forward Medical Company of the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan on his first tour of duty in 2002. And he was serving a second tour as the lead medic for Company D of the 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne. He was a hero to many who lost his life when an IED hit his vehicle on October 3rd of this year.

He was many things to many people, but his favorite role was that of a father to his two daughters. He was described as a hero, a devoted son, a loyal friend, a loving brother, and a as a father who adored his girls. A family member said, "Bryan has left a legacy for which he may be very proud."

I did not know this soldier, but his loss is felt by all. So when you see or hear the name of a soldier lost, find out what you can about him or her. People are only lost to us when we forget them. Remember the fallen, thank the living, and live your life in such a way that their sacrifice will have meaning.

Photo: Legacy Guest Book and information from our local paper