One thing that made the weekend more memorable was one of the athletes. We were on the run course cheering on the runners and making sure they went on the right side almost all day. From 1pm until just before midnight actually. While this particular young lady was running by, she reached out her hand and handed me something. Saying "I want you to have this in memory of my friend." Turns out it is a dog tag with the name 1LT Daniel Hyde US ARMY KIA 3-7-09
I have several friends in the armed forces and have always respected what they do for us and what the give up for us. This brought home the reality of it all. Yes I know people who are now or have been overseas, and I hear names on the news of soldiers who have died...but I have never "known" someone who died. Not that I know Daniel Hyde but the lady that gave it to me did.
I have thought about it a lot over the past few days and I would like to know who this person was. Where they lived. And any other information I can find out about Daniel. I know I will always remember that day and Daniel and his family will forever be in my heart and prayers.
Daniel B. Hyde, 24
Army, 1st Lieutenant
Based: Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry
Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Died: March 7, 2009
Samarra, Iraq
1 comment:
Wow. What an experience. I cried a little, thinking about that very young man whose life was cut short. After I did the 5K to support Lt. Berschinski they posted a video on the blog about the speech he gave later that weekend where he honored those in his unit that did not make it. It's very humbling.
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