Names in stone, memories in heart
Lance Cpl Chad Robert Hildebrandt. Memorial stone outside the Hildebrandt residence. The stone is a replica of a memorial located in Springer, N.M.
This article is a personal reflection on Memorial Day, written by Public Affairs Specialist Amberly Winningham.
For many, Memorial Day is a welcome day off to cook out or relax by the lake with family and friends. I will always remember it, however, as a somber reminder of the day I watched my parents being handed a neatly folded American flag as I listened to taps and watched a community mourn the loss of a 22-year-old hero — my big brother.
Lance Cpl. Chad Robert Hildebrandt — my “Bubba” — was killed in action Oct. 17, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom in a combat operation against enemy forces in Al Rutbah, Iraq.
The death of a loved one to combat would understandably hit anyone hard. As a 10-year-old baby sister who idolized her big brother, it utterly changed my life.
After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Chad made the decision to join the United States Marine Corps. Just days after graduating high school in 2003, Chad left for Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
By the time he departed on his second tour to Iraq in 2005, I knew the dangers my Bubba would face, but you’re never prepared for the worst.
On a sunny, brisk fall afternoon, two Marines walked up our driveway to tell us Chad had given the ultimate sacrifice; the neighboring small New Mexico communities where we lived halted everything to honor him — a small-town hero.
From the hundreds of people in attendance at Chad’s funeral to the groups of people lined up and down Interstate 25 to pay respect as Chad made his final drive, the honor and respect felt was indescribable.
While I lost my brother, the Marines who accompanied him every minute of every day to his final resting place also lost a brother.
I often think about the pain and sadness my brother’s Marine friends felt during those days and how they feel now. I hope they know how much I appreciate their dedicated service in honoring Chad.
We’re approaching the 20-year anniversary of his death and my family still finds coins on Chad’s grave. (Leaving coins indicates a specific connection the visitor had to the deceased.) It’s a bittersweet reminder that my brother continues to be remembered two decades later.
On this Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who gave their lives to fight for our freedom. I also take time to remember those who made it home but lost someone with whom they fought.
Memorial Day will always bring me waves of memories. But, it’s ultimately a day to be thankful and to celebrate the sacrifices given by the noblest and bravest among us — and enjoy that extra burger or hot dog. My Bubba would approve.