VILLAGE OF GLENDALE
MEMORIAL DAY SPEECH
WAR VETERAN’S MEMORIAL
MAY 29, 2006

Good morning. My name is Kathy Dyer, and I decided that today is a great day to tell the truth. I have lived in the Village of Glendale since July 1998. During the past 8 years, I have never participated in the Memorial Day parade or service, nor have I ever even witnessed them. I remember one year, specifically, lying in bed at 10:00 a.m. at my home on Troy Avenue and being awakened by the loud banging of drums and clashing of cymbals as the parade rounded Greenville Avenue. I put a pillow over my head and wished it would go away. I was a part of a generally apathetic baby boomer generation too far removed from the "Big Wars" to really understand the true meaning of Memorial Day. Like so many other Americans, I have associated this day with backyard BBQs, picnics in the park, a mini-vacation, the official kickoff of summer, or, as was the case 8 years ago - a rare weekday to be able to sleep in.

Memorial Day 2006 is quite a different story for me. I must tell you how completely surreal it is to look over at the bronzed names on the tall pillar of this memorial and see my own son's name at the bottom. Many of you are aware that my son, Marine Lcpl. CHRISTOPHER JENKINS DYER was killed on August 3, 2005 with 13 of his brothers and their Iraqi interpreter in what is to date the deadliest roadside bombing involving U.S. troops in the Iraq War. He was just 19 years old.

I have had ten months now to pray and reflect, and to try to see the good which has resulted from his death. One of the good things that has happened is that the A&E channel has produced an outstanding documentary entitled "Combat Diary - the Marines of Lima Company" which will air again today from 2-4 p.m. and during other times through June 3. The producers of that film have been quoted as saying that the finished product was quite different than the story they started out to tell. They had wanted to make a film about the aftermath of Marines coming home from prolonged and such brutal combat. What they ended up with was a poignant tale of deep brotherly love and camaraderie and finding some peace and joy in even the most desperate situations.

If you don't mind, I'd like to specifically remember the men of Chris' squad who gave their all to serve you and me:

Lcpl. Grant Fraser

Lcpl. Nicholas Bloem
These men were attachments from Alaska

Lcpl. Timothy Bell, Jr.
The nephew of Buddy Bell, manager of the Kansas City Royals. He is buried 2 spaces away from Chris at Arlington National Cemetery

Lcpl. William Wightman

Cpl. David Kreuter

Lcpl. Michael Cifuentes

Sgt. Justin Hoffman
Chris' beloved Sargent who he called "Fen "

Lcpl. Aaron Reed

Lcpl. Edward Schroeder II

Lcpl. Eric Berhnolz
Nicknamed "The Preacher" because the only personal possession he took to Iraq was his Bible, which he read each night at the Hadithah Dam.

Lcpl. Kevin Warvince

Lcpl. David Stewart

Sgt. Bradley Harper

Arabic Interpreter Neill

Lcpl. Christopher Dyer

As an American, the thing I fmd most compelling about Chris Dyer's sacrifice, and that of his comrades, is that they were part of an all-volunteer armed force. Yes, they were paid during their training and for overseas duty---but heed this: Contrary to the assertions made by Michael Moore in "Fahrenheit 911 ", our fallen heroes from Southwest Ohio, particularly the reservists, were not from the lower class, poor, with no options. So many of the men we have come to know and honor came from middle class - even upper middle class homes. Several men, (activated in the infantry) had earned college degrees, or were enrolled in college - as Chris was in the Ohio State Honors program. One man, Marine Lcpl. Michael Cifuentes was nearing completion of his Masters degree in Math at Miami University.

These men were boyfriends, fiancés, husbands, and fathers - Marine Cpl. David Kreuter's sacrifice meant that he would never hold his infant son, Christian.

The picture I am painting for you in words reveals that these amazing young men led rich, full lives outside their military service. They were never forced into their roles as protectors of our freedom. They didn’t have to sign up!

But, they did. What I want to take away in my life from my son's death, and I hope you will consider also - is the spirit of volunteerism, selflessness and service these men have so bravely exhibited.

I have recently become aware that this year, the Village of Glendale specifically wanted to honor the veterans of the Vietnam War. I would like to relate to you the interactions I have had with this group of men and women as a result of Chris' death. I want you to know that dozens and dozens of Vietnam Vets came out to support me and my family.

They showed up in their pods of motorcycles at the beautiful candlelight vigil on Village Square, as well as, at Chris' visitation and funeral service at Tri-County Baptist Church.

In speaking with these veterans, I was struck by the fact that they all said the same things to me, and the words fell out of their mouths in exactly the same order: First, they offered their most sincere condolences to me, and everyone of them cried with me over my loss. Secondly, they told me how genuinely happy they were to see that Chris was so well honored: the candlelight vigil, banners flying, flags waving, the radio, TV and newspaper coverage and who could ever forget the masses of people lining the streets during the amazing mile-long procession. And the third thing they all said to me was this: "But it wasn’t like this for me when I came home!" As a Gold Star mother, it hurts me to know that these Vietnam War veterans were not accorded the same honor as Chris was for their sacrifice. I can only offer a very public apology for this: I am so sorry that this happened and I want you to know how much more I treasure your sacrifice on my behalf now.

Anyway, I want all of you in attendance on this Memorial Day to know that "I Get It!_" and that I was happy to speak to you today. Last week, I was in the law office of a dear friend and long time Glendale resident Alfred K. Nippert, and I mentioned that l would speak at the Memorial today. He told me that no self-respecting, well-bred southern woman could possibly make a Memorial Day speech without quoting scripture from the bible. I thought about it for a while, and decided he was right. The true meaning of Memorial Day can be found in John 15: 13 in a single sentence spoken by Jesus to his disciples at the Last Supper. We have gathered together today to honor all veterans of all wars who God granted the biggest hearts!! And Jesus said "Greater love hath no man than this, than that he lay down his life for his friends."