Memorial Day, 2008

If the Memorial Day weekend is overwhelming you with recreational opportunities or honey-do obligations, the Portal offers you this opportunity to take a moment to remember those who sacrificed to secure the liberty and freedom in which we relish this holiday.

This YouTube video captures Captain Brian Letendre obliging his community's request to speak at Memorial Day 2005 commemorations in New Britain, Connecticut. Having served a tour in Iraq with the invasion and intial pacification, Capt. Letendre was serving stateside with the 4th Marine Reserves ("New England's Own") at the time of the address.

In the three weeks leading up to the speech, the 4th had entrusted Brian with bereavement duties following the death in Al Qa'im of Lcpl. Lawrence Philippon, 22, of West Hartford. The younger marine, who served in the Marine Corp Color Guard at Ronald Regan's state funeral, had volunteered for front line duty.

"Brian helped us carry the cross of our son's death," the lance coporal's mom said, "and he left sunshine in all of our hearts."

The Captain's very capable address demonstrates his rhetorical proficiency and research skills, but it's at halfway, when Brian relates his own new personal feelings about Memorial Day, that the speech soars.



Confident that he could materially contribute in the redoubled effort to train Iraqi troops, Brian volunteered for a second tour in Iraq. He was killed in a co-ordinated car bomb attack in Al Anbar Province, May 3, 2006.

In March of 2008, Brian's widow, Autumn, and their 4 year old son Dillon returned to New Britain for the dedication of the Captain Brian Letendre USMC Memorial Park across from their old home.

"Dillon's only a child," Autumn Letendre said, "but when he's an adult, I think this will be another location to place the puzzles of his life together."

Part of what Memorial Day is about is providing a missing part of the puzzle to military families, a vital part of Memorial Day is in expressing our gratitude for the sacrifice our patriots and their families have made for to our nation.