The Sacrifice of Fallen Heroes: A Debt No Nation Can Repay
Extreme Trends presents: Mom keeps seeing a little boy at her son’s grave, then asks “Who are you?” In the boy’s response. It would be accurate to say that martyrs create faith more than faith creates martyrs. Apart from the colossal sacrifice of their lives, members of the Armed Forces give their nation so much more than we realize.
Whether it’s the emotional turmoil that they endure after staying away from their families or giving their 100% on the battlefield every day, soldiers truly devote their entire lives to the safety and prosperity of their country. Every nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes, the kind of debt that no nation can ever fully repay. The following story about a six-year-old thanking a true soldier will melt your heart. Goodbye love. As Thomas Jefferson Butler the fourth embraced his beloved wife Holly, he couldn’t help but allow the tears to roll down his cheeks.
Soldier Leaves Wife and Son to Serve in the Armed Forces
Residing in Leland, North Carolina, TJ, as he was called by his kith and kin, had been serving in the Armed Forces for several years. Right after graduating high school, TJ knew he did not have to look for purpose in his life as he decided to join the North Carolina National Guard in 2007. After getting married to the love of his life, TJ built a home with her, which was further beautified in 2012 by the addition of a new family member, Thomas Jefferson Butler V.
One of the hardest sacrifices TJ had to make for being a soldier was to leave his wife and son at home. This time was no different. “I know you’ll take good care of the mini-me,” TJ said to Holly as he planted a soft kiss on his baby son’s forehead. After embracing Holly for the hundredth time, the final time, TJ realized that he had to let go as he headed out the front door. Holly felt her heart sink. She had a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach as she suspected that terrible news awaited her.
Fallen Soldier Honored with Full Military Funeral, Remembered as Hero by Family and Strangers
It was the year 2012 when TJ, along with his fellow soldiers, was sent to Afghanistan for the Operation Enduring Freedom campaign. It was TJ’s first-ever military deployment, and little did he know it was also going to be his last. In August of 2012, Thomas earned martyrdom while combating courageously on the battlefield till his last breath. When the soul-shattering news reached his family, despite being devastated and crestfallen, they were incredibly proud of TJ.
Four days after he was marked, during a public statement, Holly told the news reporters, “TJ was not only the most caring and dedicated father and husband but also an affectionate brother and son. He has always made us proud. He’s not just a hero but a hero for his entire nation.” What TJ’s family didn’t expect, however, was a complete stranger remembering the deceased warrior in a heartwarming way. Being a hero, TJ was given immense respect during a full military funeral, which was organized on the 12th of October.
Thomas Jefferson’s Memorial Day Ceremony Interrupted by Unusual Incident Involving 6-Year-Old Boy
The ceremony involved a procession, which a horse-drawn carriage carried TJ’s casket. Meanwhile, the public surrounding the procession waved national flags as they followed the casket, which was eventually taken to the Wilmington National Cemetery. The graveyard was quite special since it held the bodies of thousands of past veterans and fallen soldiers, and TJ was buried alongside them on the 27th of May in 2013, which was Memorial Day.
Thomas Jefferson’s name was once again remembered, and so was his immense sacrifice. Every year, the former soldiers’ family, along with hundreds of North Carolina residents, attended the memorial ceremony and paid tribute to the praiseworthy hero. However, during the procession in 2016, something completely unusual happened. Six-year-old Mason Lee, while holding his mother’s hand, let his feet tread lightly over the soil as he continued walking. He could see rows of tombstones standing in silence.
Young boy shows respect and curiosity at fallen soldiers’ memorial ceremony.
One by one, Mason and his mom Sarah placed little national flags and flowers on each of the gravestones in order to express their condolences and respect towards the fallen warriors. As Sarah moved ahead, she realized that her son wasn’t beside her anymore. “Mason,” she called out anxiously before spotting her little son sitting beside one of the headstones. His gaze rested on Thomas Jefferson’s full name, which was engraved on the tombstone.
Mason could feel several questions bombarding his head all at once, so he began questioning his mother. He wanted to know all about TJ’s life and his family. Mason, despite being so young, could feel the place echoed with painful grief and heartfelt loss. As Sarah told him about TJ’s and other soldiers’ sacrifices, Mason’s eyes welled up with tears. Those moments were evidently memorable for him, and next year when he returned to TJ’s memorial ceremony, Mason completely surprised everyone by an act full of kindness.
Seven-Year-Old Pays Tribute to Fallen Hero with Captain America Drawing at Cemetery
As others paid their respects and saluted during the procession, seven-year-old Mason quietly sat beside TJ’s headstone. He had not only brought a bunch of fragrant flowers but also a very special drawing. He drew his version of the Marvel Comics superhero Captain America along with the captain’s shield as well.
During his brief interview, Mason said that with a smile on his face, “I chose Captain America because Sergeant Butler is no less than a superhero. He has done so much for us.I’ll always remember him.” The kind-hearted voice act depicts that we must remember those who gave up their tomorrow for our today. That’s it for today.T
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