Mary McHugh on her fiance's grave, Memorial Day 2007
Noah Miles Pier
Noah, 25, of Charlotte, NC, died while protecting freedom on February 16, 2010 in Marjah, Afghanistan. Born on July 28, 1984 in Fairfax, VA, Noah and his family relocated to Charlotte in March of 1995. Noah was an avid outdoorsman and was involved in the Police Explorers Program at CMPD as a teenager. He loved American Freestyle Martial Arts and earned a black belt rank. Noah fell in love with his childhood sweetheart Rachel, whom he was to marry when he returned home.
The photos of the women mourning are also very heartfelt, but stir a more tragic emotion. And probably strike a chord more for those of us left behind.
I can see why the soldiers would want copies of the eagle, portraying bravery, honor, duty and America. And not of a wife or fiance crying or resting at grave side.