Suggested Speech presented by the American Legion -- Memorial Day - 2007
When Iraqi children came around his Humvee, Army Private First Class Nicholas Madaras of the
4th Infantry Division of the Connecticut National Guard would always have something to give
them…candy, chewing gum, or a stuffed animal.
He loved children and went out of his way to bring a smile to a child’s face.
“He wanted them to know he was there to keep them safe,” said one of his comrades in arms.
An avid soccer player, Nick knew that one way he could connect with the Iraqi children was
through the international sport of soccer.
"He was concerned about the kids over there, and he mentioned it to me,” said his father, Bill
Madaras of Signal Hill Road in Wilton, Connecticut.
Madaras said his son had even asked his father to send soccer balls to Iraq so he could pass them
out to the Iraqi children.
PFC Madaras was killed September 3, 2006, as a result of injuries sustained when an improvised
explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol during combat operations in Baqubah, Iraq.
His father and members of American Legion Post 86 in Wilton decided to honor his memory in a
fashion most befitting to Pfc. Madaras’ legacy.
A soccer net and a sign announcing "Kick for Nick" was set up outside American Legion Post 86 to
collect soccer balls to send to children in Iraq.
More than a million American service members --- like PFC Madaras --- have died in the wars and
conflicts this nation fought since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775 to fight for
independence.
From the Civil War to Europe - from Pearl Harbor to Korea - from Vietnam to Grenada - from
Kuwait to Afghanistan and Iraq - men and women like Madaras have died so that we could continue
to cherish the things they loved ---God, country and family.
That is why we are gathered here on Memorial Day…to honor the memory of our fallen warriors
who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in wars our nation was forced to fight to
maintain liberty.
We are also reminded on this day that in each generation, brave men and women will always step
forward to take the oath of allegiance as members of America’s armed forces, willing to fight and if
necessary die, for the sake of freedom.
In reviewing countless letters to home from these fallen heroes who fought and died for our country
since World War I, historians of The American Legion feel there are four basic reasons why
America will answer our nation’s call to arms and put their lives in harms way.
They do it for a strong national defense --- to keep America safe and secure against those enemies
who would destroy our American way of life.
They do it for their fellow comrades…for those fighting by their side against all odds and for those
who separate from the military and become veterans.
They do it for American core values of God and country --- family, patriotism and our religious
heritage.
They do it for their children…so that they can grow up in an America that is strong and free.
It is through this last pillar - children…that we can continue the spirit of Memorial Day each and
every day.
According to a recent article in Newsweek, more than 1200 children in the U.S. have lost a parent
in Iraq or Afghanistan. When 43.5 percent of the fighting force is made up of parents, the propensity
for more children to become members of single-parent families will certainly increase.
Their innocence will be challenged by the dramatic change affecting the balance of security and
comfort in their family routine. Their hearts will feel the sharp sting of their loss, leaving them only
with memories of their loving mom or dad. Life as they have known it will be much harder from
now on.
In most cases, this also means their chances to attend college have greatly diminished. We feel the
children of military personnel killed on active duty are entitled to receive money toward a college
education.
That is why The American Legion honors our fallen warriors through the Legacy Scholarship Fund.
Across this great country, The American Legion is raising funds to ensure that higher education will
be a reality for these families.
Providing for the children our military personnel left behind is our civic duty.
Making sure the children have the opportunity these parents cannot provide is perhaps the greatest
tribute we can give our fallen warriors.
Any child or legally adopted child, of active duty United States military and Guard, and Reserve
personnel who were federalized and died on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 can apply
for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship once they become a high school senior or high school
graduate.
These kids will survive the trauma but they will never forget that their mothers or fathers died for
them…and for America.
Take for instance the final letter sent to Command Sergeant Major James Blankenbecler, (BLANK
IN BECK LER) from his 14-year-old daughter, Jessica … two days after he was killed in a convoy
in Samara, Iraq.
“Hi Daddy, sorry I haven’t written to you in a while. I miss you so much. How have you been? Is
heaven everything it says it is? I know it’s probably that and more. I can’t wait ‘till I can come join
you again.
“I have your military ring on now. It’s kind of big for my little finger, but it makes me feel you’re
holding my hand when I have it on…It’s been on since we found out the news.
“And when we drive by the billboards that say, ‘An Army of One’, it makes me remember you in
your military uniform. How you always made a crunching sound when you walked, and how you
shined your big boots every night before you went to bed. I miss seeing that all the time.
“I know you are gone now, but it only means that I have another angel watching over me for the rest
of my life. That’s the only way I can think of this being good. There is no other way I can think of it.
“Little things that I took for granted when you were here seem priceless now. I will miss you,
daddy, with all my heart. I will always be your little girl and I will never forget that ... I love you
daddy, I will miss you!!”
P.S. I have never been so proud of my last name.”
Jessica’s words, I think, capture the panorama of emotions and thoughts that we share at this
gathering…sorrow, happiness, admiration and love.
We miss our American warriors like Sgt Major Blankenbecler (BLANK IN BECK LER), and all of
our comrades – of all wars -- who laid down their lives for our country.
May God bless them and may God bless you for caring enough to be here today. Thank you.
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