Long-time readers of the family blog, before it moved to this domain, might remember Cpl. Matthew Wallace, the only brother of one of my very good friends. And a soldier in the United States Army, of course. Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting Matt in person. He was injured in Iraq on July 16, 2006. He was burned over most of his body and died at a hospital in Germany. Amazingly, the family was able to be flown to his side to say their goodbyes prior to his passing. He was only twenty-two. We raised some money on the family blog to help the family and continued to keep readers updated with his progress during that long week. He wasn’t my brother. I hadn’t met him. And I knew that the world had lost an amazing person.

I asked Jess to send me something about her brother that I could share on this blog today. I wanted him to be the first soldier that this family honored in this series. Jess sent me the speech she gave at his funeral. And I’m still sitting here with tears in my eyes. I want to share a small snip-it to honor Matt and to simultaneously remind those who stop by exactly what the cost is for their freedom. No politics. This is just the way it is.

Matt, when I see people walking into churches without fear of reprisal, when I see children playing and families working together, when I go to sleep without worry and fly a flag in front of my home that I’m free to salute…I remember you. When I remember you, I think of the sacrifices you made so I could have these things. I think of your commitment and your service beyond mere duty. I think of all that you have given so that I can be free. I thank you as an American, but mostly I thank you as your big sister. I love you, I miss you, and I’ll see you when the time is right. March on, Soldier…you have my heart and my pride. We will not forget.

I told you about the tears.

I had the pleasure of meeting the rest of Matt’s family last year at Jess’s wedding. I felt as though I had known her parents for an eternity as well. I was welcomed with hugs and kind words. The atmosphere of a loving family made the day a beautiful success, despite the rain. And the presence of a soldier, not gone a full year at the time, was there as well. I may not have ever met Matthew, but through his family’s words and eyes, I’ve gotten to know him.

And today we honor his sacrifice. We stand at attention alongside his family and force others to remember as well. Matt, we thank you for everything. I’ve said it before, but you take care of Rose up there and we’ll meet someday.

Please visit CplMatthewWallace.com for information on donations to a memorial fund.

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Red, White and Blue Fridays came about over at This Full House by an amazing blogger named Liz. The point is to honor those in the military, past or present, a way to simply say, “Thank you” without the drama of politics. Liz started this as her (twin!) brother is set to deploy in 2008. Each week, we here at Stop, Drop and Blog will honor someone currently serving or someone who has served in our military. If you know someone who deserves a bit of honor, please e-mail me via the contact form.