Posted on 02/18/2005 3:15:59 PM PST by Claytay
During the Feb.2 State of the Union Address, President Bush acknowledged Pflugerville resident's William and Janet Norwood whose son, Marine Sergeant Byron Norwood, was killed in action last year in Fallujah, Iraq.
The lost of Sgt. Norwood deeply touched members of the Pflugerville community and more than 1,000 friends and family of Sgt. Norwood attended services honoring him at the Pflugerville High School Fine Arts Center. Late last year a group of citizens began gathering support and searching for a way to memorialize Sgt. Norwood's sacrifice for his country.
"Although our town is obviously appreciative and respectful of the sacrifices of our soldiers, there is no place where we honor and remember them," area resident and committe chairman, Mike Marsh noted. "Thus the idea for the memorial was born."
So far, seven fallen soldiers from Pflugerville, from WWI to the current loss in Iraq, have been idenified. Their names will be engraved in pink Texas granite at the memorial. Lighting and landscaping will complete the reflective beauty of the memorial. The groundbreaking for the memorial is slated for the latter part of April. The goal is to dedicate this memorial on Friday, November 11, 2005, Veteran's Day.
To contribute to this fund, contact Janet Heath at Frist Texas Bank,(512)251-7889, Lloyd Hebbe at comerica Bank,(512)251-4115, Kathy Ellis at the City of Pflugerville,(512)990-4363, Michelle Pundt,Pf4, (512)670-5527 or Mike Marsh, PCDC, (512)990-9097.
Sorry there is no link but the Pflugerville flag doesn't have a website so I have to transscribe it. I know its not just for Byron but I figured y'all would like to know anything I find out about him. I will also keep y'all informed on a scholarship fpr him.
Hey thought you would like to see this.
Thanks to those who served us so well.
The memorial sounds like it will be beautiful.
This is just wonderful, Claytay. Thanks.
No problem I saw it on the front page sitting on my parents bed and thought this needed to get out, and since they aren't online nobody outside of Pflugerville would have seen it.
Pflugerville bump Claytay, thanks for posting this as I normally don't see the pflag. This will be a great addition to our community. I will be calling one of the contacts you listed to make a donation. Please let me know if you hear anything else about this project. Thanks again.
Thanks for the memorial news.
BTW, Mrs. Norwood wrote a beautiful poem about her son. If anyone can find it please post. It will bring tears to your eyes.
For Byron
I've heard the words oft times before - that "Freedom isn't Free". But that was long before I knew how they would impact me.
A baby boy I loved so much - I watched him learn and grow. He grew into a strong young man, how brave - I did not know.
Little League and high school band, the trumpet, movies, friends - things he enjoyed as years went by - I hoped it would not end.
But graduation time came near, now he was nineteen. "I'm old enough. I'm ready, Mom, to become the best Marine!"
Then off to Boot Camp far away, and with the Crucible done - His Eagle, Globe and Anchor, he had finally, proudly won.
Standing tall, his face a beam - a new United States Marine!
I knew that there were dangers. My fear I tried to hide, but the sight of him in uniform filled my heart with pride.
A clear September morning as I saw the buildings fall, my brave son was list'ning for his Nation's urgent call. The world had changed in minutes, for now we were at war. "Don't worry, Mom. I'm trained for this. It's what Marines are for."
He left his home and traveled to a desert far away. On quiet nights, I'd close my eyes and I could almost hear him say - "I love you, Mom, and miss you, but there's a job I have to do. As a Marine, now it's my turn to be protecting you."
Sleepless nights of worry, anxiety and fears; Praying for his safety and crying countless tears. Afraid to even think the worst - the knock upon the door - Knowing that had happened to other Moms before.
Oh, God, then it happened - the worst did come to pass - In dark of night, the knock did come and through the front door's glass - I see them there in coats of blue with buttons of bright brass.
I could not hear the words they spoke, I could only cry and scream - "This can't be true, this isn't real. Please tell me it's a dream!"
As minutes turned to hours and the hours into days, pain and sadness stretched ahead in such a foggy haze.
I close my eyes and, once again, I hear his gentle voice. "I'm alright, Mom, and I'm still here. You know it was my choice.
My friends were hurt, I had to try to get them out of there. It is the code of honor that we Marines all share."
I know he had to do it - He could not walk away. I'm grateful for the courage that he displayed that day.
The sorrow's deep inside me - So much, it seems I've lost. But he wants me to remember that Freedom has a cost.
There is no greater gift, they say, than to lay down one's life for friends. I will keep his gift in memory until my life here ends.
I love you, Son, and thank you, for your special gift to me - I will always know That Freedom isn't Free!
By Janet Aston Norwood Proud Gold Star Mother of Sgt. Byron Wayne Norwood KIA Fallujah, Iraq November 13, 2004
He gave his life to defend Liberty at home and to give the gift of Liberty to the good people of Iraq. Byron, I love you and I will be forever proud and grateful for your sacrifice. Always, Mom
Thanks for posting the poem. Mrs. Norwood has a lovely way with words.
She really does. After I read it last night I broke out in tears b/c 1. I know Byron and his brother is my age and I have known him for awhile 2. I just found out my cousin( my parents are his legal gardians so he is pretty much an older brother to me) is going, most likely, to Iraq for his first year out of bootcamp. I am so proud of him and am going to his Marine graduation in April.
Thanks for posting this. We now have a website at http://www.fallenwarriormemorial.org
Sorry I didn't find you until today. The groundbreaking was yesterday. If you have any questions or comments you can write me at jgori2@yahoo.com or contact through the website. Thanks. j.
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