Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday for remembering the members of the armed forces who died while serving this nation. Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday was begun after the Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that war. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who died while in military service.
Nearly 1.4 million Americans have died in military service, from the Revolution to the War on Terror. There are still nearly 41,000 missing, enough to fill Chicago’s Wrigley Field. American war dead approximate the population of Suffolk County on New York’s Long Island.
One of those killed in battle, Navy Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy, was born and raised in Suffolk County. Lt. Murphy was a Navy SEAL who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his astonishing bravery and selflessness. His award reads as follows:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare task unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005. While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy’s team was discovered by anti-coalition militia sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban fighters. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four member team. Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Lt. Murphy’s exploits are well chronicled in the movie Lone Survivor, as well as the bestselling book of the same title.
On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you Lt. Michael P. Murphy for your sacrifice. Thank you, as well, for representing on this holiday not just your two fallen SEAL brothers who died with you on that Afghan mountain, but those 1.4 million Americans who were also killed in action.
Our country was enriched by your life and shielded by your sacrifice.
I salute you. All of you. From Valley Forge. Gettysburg. Belleau Wood. Iwo Jima. Chosin. Hue City. Fallujah. Asadabad. All of you on all of those battlefields, and at sea, and in the air. Let us stop and honor you for the way you have honored us. May you rest in peace.