On this Veteran’s Day, many of us remember fallen family members, friends or co-workers.  It seems we all know of at least one family who recently lost a son or daughter while serving their country.

In my case it was my nephew, Sgt Andy Brown.  Andy died October 8, 2004 serving his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry, Fort Polk, LA, and died in Baghdad of injuries sustained on October 1st when his patrol vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

His family and friends will certainly never forget Andy and neither has his community.  Andy and I grew up in the same little Pennsylvania hamlet, although our experiences were separated by 25 years.  What I remember about Pleasant Mount, PA was the sense of community and taking care of one another.  Well in this case, times have not changed.

Pleasant Mount honored Andy’s memory when they added his name to the local American Legion Post.  To further pay tribute to Andy’s memory, the community recently named a road in his honor.  Fathers and mothers will now remind their children about the medal winning American Hero with roots in their home town every time they pass the sign that proudly says, Sgt Andy Brown Road.

I know I will.

Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hill, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest.
God is nigh.