Honoring Fallen Veterans This Memorial Day

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins reflects on the immense cost of war and the sacrifices made by service members, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who did not return home.

On Nov. 2, 2023, I lost my husband Andy in a Humvee accident during an Army Reserve training exercise in Virginia. He was a captain, and he was nearly 28 years old. We had a 17-month-old daughter, Adalyn, were building a home, and had pre-approval on a 200-acre farm we’d dreamt of owning for years. None of these plans mattered anymore after I received the call from Andy’s commanding officer at 2:20 PM.

Three days post-accident, my family and I drove to Virginia Commonwealth University trauma center to bring Andy home. We were met by a hearse from the funeral home in Edinburg, and Andy’s commanding officer awaited us in uniform. He embraced me tightly, then sank to his knees in grief.

The drive home, expected to be a solemn two and a half hours, turned out differently. At the first overpass, we saw a fire engine with an American flag and uniformed firefighters saluting. A few miles later, another overpass showcased another group of firefighters with the flag raised high, accompanied by civilians—men, women, and children—in salute.

This tribute continued over approximately 35 overpasses. Firefighters maintained a respectful presence at nearly every one, honoring a soldier they’d never met. On the ground, people parked on the highway’s shoulder and saluted as we passed, an unbelievable display of respect.

A friend named Josh coordinated this immense tribute. He arranged for a professional photographer and videographer to document Andy’s final journey for our daughter Adalyn to appreciate when she’s older.

Mike, a police officer and a member of Andy’s unit, led the procession from the medical examiner’s office onto the highway. Local police periodically took over escort duties. At times they closed off access to the interstate, ensuring a smooth procession.

As we neared home, farm equipment was stationed along Route 81, operated by farmers Andy worked with. They stood before their machines, in salute or waving. Their political views or personal dreams were unknown to me; their tribute was simply about showing up for Andy.

The drive home stretched to four hours due to endless memorial displays. One final tribute involved a giant American flag suspended between cranes, surrounded by people waving, saluting, or smiling.

We eventually reached Woodstock, guided slowly along Main Street to the funeral home. Neighbors lined the roadside, waving souvenir American flags. Pastor Nate, in tears, held the Emanuel Church flag overhead.

Though Andy died in a training accident, not overseas, the country showed no distinction in honoring him. Firefighters stood saluting without querying where or how his death occurred, just acknowledging that he wore the uniform and didn’t return.

This Memorial Day, the focus is not on sales, a holiday weekend, or summer’s onset. It represents a nationwide decision to stand on overpasses, salute, and honor those who served.