Several years ago at the Howard Beach Memorial Day Parade, a new tradition was introduced where a letter from a soldier from the community was read at the parade about what Memorial Day meant to them.
Many people still refer to the poignant words penned by Sean McCabe back then, and this year, it is for certain that the words of another soldier will be remembered for years to come.
It is a great privilege for The Forum to give this editorial space to the words of 1st Lieutenant Gerard Connolly.
Gerard holds a special place in many hearts throughout this community and has grown to be a credit to a family whose contributions to Howard Beach are unquestionable.
We have followed several junctures in his journey of service, beginning with a story we did when he was first accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
The impression he made way back then has never dulled and now is stronger than ever.
We thank Gerard for taking the time to share his thoughts from Afghanistan where he faces the dangers of combat as so many have done before him.
We would like to share with you the text of the letter which was read by his mother, Joanne Russo Connolly, at Monday’s parade.
Commander
VFW
Bernard Coleman
Post 2565
Howard Beach, NY
Happy Memorial Day from Paktika, Afghanistan. At first I was reluctant to send a message, but upon further consideration I realized that I need to express my thoughts. Not for any one individual, but for men like Bernard Coleman, Frank M. Charles, Jack Fitzgibbons, Walter Wetzel and the rest of the names on the memorial that dominate Coleman square. Men who much like myself had the privilege of growing up in Howard Beach and serving this country on foreign soil. I regret that I have never met any of these men. They were killed in our defense before most of us were conceived. They are the reason for Memorial Day. It is not about the flags, parades, or uniforms. It is only about their sacrifice. Each name we see written on the memorial was once a human life that walked around our community. It is our duty to remember them. It is our duty to remember the time they exchanged so that we can live freely. This is why we gather every Memorial Day. It is what makes this day important in our community and our country. I am offended when Memorial Day is about anything else. Now that I bear witness to the commitment of our young men and women in service, I am more appreciative of the price paid for our freedom. It is both hopeful and terrifying.
I am reminded of the words of General Joshua Chamberlain. He was one of my heroes growing up. His eloquent speech at the memorial at Gettysburg is still appropriate for Coleman square.
The sentiment is the same for all Americans killed in our defense, whether it is 1863, 1963, or 2013.
“In great deeds, something abides.
On great fields, something stays.
Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger,
to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls…
generations that know us not and that we know not of, will be heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field…
This is the great reward of service.
To live far out and on, in the life of others;…
to give life’s best for such high sake that it should be found again unto eternal life.”
—Major General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, spoken at the dedication of the 20th Maine Monument Gettysburg Pennsylvania October 3, 1888
I will be home soon. May God Bless America.
Respectfully,
1st Lieutenant Gerard Connolly
Platoon Leader 1st Platoon
Bravo Troop
1st Squadron 89th Cavalry Regiment
10th Mountain Division
“Climb To Glory! To The Top!”
Gerard is thus far scheduled to return from his tour of duty in August. Alongside the community, we will be here to welcome him back. God Speed.
