Honoring and remembering
To the editor:
This Memorial Day, like many others, brings a tear of sadness for the brother who gave his life for this great country and reflecting on how many still honor and remember him.
Steven L. Porter is my brother and he lost his life on July 9, 1969 in Vietnam.
As I look back over the years since his death the thing. I can’t help but cherish is the honor and remembering of him and how it has blessed my family.
In the early days following his death we were surrounded by such an overflow support and love from such a caring community of friends and family.
There have been note of sympathy, honors of his name on walls, monuments, Little League fields, motorcycle clubs, a Purple Heart group and several who even named their family member after him.
People have sung in honor of him, presented eight scholarships in his name, donated books and frames military photos to libraries and had artists paint a portrait of him in his uniform.
Many have hugged us, wrote to us and cried with us. Even Facebook has graced his name with memories, photos and heartfelt messages of him. Some have cared for his grave, his Little League sign and provided videos of honoring him. There are those who searched for his name on the “wall” in D.C. and brought back etchings of his name.
And the love, honor and memories continue from many even still today, 47 years later. It’s humbling when we hear of a memory that is recalled to us of how he impacted someone’s life.
So from my point of view patriotism, honor and memories to our fallen heroes is still alive. And gratefulness for those who have and still serve our great country touches the heart of this sister and wife of former Marines.
May we continue to remember and honor them!
And may we all gladly hold our hands over our hearts for our National Anthem as we gaze at the flag our servicemen and women have and still fight for.
Semper Fi and God Bless
Laura J. Cyr (sister)
Presque Isle
