The ultimate sacrifice

By Bob Belcher

May 25, 2009 10:02 pm

— Navarro County turned out Monday morning to honor its first — and to date, only — victim of the war on terrorism during Memorial Day ceremonies at the Navarro County Courthouse.
Cpl. William O’Brien was remembered with the unveiling of a new addition to the Navarro County War Memorial highlighted the annual ceremony on the northwest corner of the courthouse lawn. Family members and friends took part in the ceremony that featured O’Brien’s brother, John, sharing thoughts and gratitude from the family for honoring the Rice soldier’s sacrifice at the hands of an Iraqi sniper in 2009.
“This holiday has special meaning to me and my family,” John O’Brien said to the crowd of several hundred gathered at the monument. “It’s important to make sure that we honor the day as it was meant to be honored.”
O’Brien spoke proudly of his “little brother,” saying “we always had each other’s backs,” and how he had mixed emotions about William deciding to join the armed forces at the age of 17.
“I had all the confidence in the world that my brother could handle anything that the Army could throw at him, but I didn’t like the idea of not being there to ‘have his back’,” he said.
William O’Brien was an exemplary soldier, advancing through the ranks even at his young age through the support of his family and fellow soldiers, he said, relaying the story of how William’s sergeant called his mother to praise William’s abilities and performance.
“I always thought the worst thing in the world that could happen was that I wouldn’t be there for William,” John O’Brien added.
He received the news he feared the most while stationed in Alaska — William had been killed in action.
“This must be some kind of mistake,” O’Brien recalled thinking. “This kind of thing happens to other families, but not mine.
“Although the pain never goes away, it brings me great pride to see my brother honored in this way,” he said, expressing gratitude to Navarro County and its efforts to erect the new monument.
“I charge each and every one of you to re-think how you celebrate Memorial Day from now on. This is more than just a three day weekend ... we should definitely take time to reflect on the sacrifices these brave young men and women have made to secure the freedom that we too often take for granted.”
O’Brien said he had received numerous letters from people sharing their thoughts on William and his life, and how he had touched their lives in some way, and how they had been inspired by his story.
“It’s amazing. It will never be forgotten,” he said.
Tim Easley, organizer of Monday’s event, also spoke of the importance of the Memorial Day holiday, and the Navarro County War Memorial.
“I consider it an honor to be standing here paying tribute to our fallen soldiers,” he said. “It’s a joy to see such a large crowd to come and show your support.”
The Navarro County War Memorial contains the names of 286 fighting men and women who lost their lives defending America, Easley said.
“It was seven years ago that we dedicated this monument on Veteran’s Day, and I prayed that we’d never have to add to it. But that all changed last year when we lost one of our own, Cpl. William O’Brien ... today, we stand here to honor him, and those who have gone before him in the service of our country.”
Also speaking at Monday’s even were Pam O’Hanlon, speaking on the meaning of the American flag and Memorial Day; Jimmy Konieczny, William O’Brien’s childhood friend, who read a poem he wrote after hearing of O’Brien’s death; and Pastor Rick Lamb of Northside Baptist Church, who also spoke at William O’Brien’s funeral last year.
“His mother wanted me to make sure at the service that everyone knew what a fine young man that he was, and we know that, and we’re grateful,” Lamb said. “She also wanted us to remember he was a person who enjoyed laughter .. he was a fun loving guy ... all that changes with a bullet, and your life is gone.
“I believe William O’Brien was, and still is, a hero. I thank him for his service, I thank him for his sacrifice, I’m grateful for what he did.”
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