Memorial Day Monday: Bill Hillard – Opinion

Today marks my first Memorial Day Monday. I have been working hard to reach this point for many years.

In 2018, I published a blog post. Does Memorial Day Still Matter 2018 Edition. Two people who were from my town died serving their country in that post. Mark A. Lange LT. USN. and Army Cpl. Walter B. Howard II. To see the full list, click here.

I have tried to do a post every year on or around Memorial Day honoring people who served and died, being that is the whole point of the last Monday in May — remembering those brave men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion in service to this country.

But, I have been struggling to write one blog post per year. I can’t recall precisely where I read it but someone who wrote what follows has affected me and has motivated me to do this more than once a year. They wrote (and I’m paraphrasing): It is proper that the country stop the last Monday in May to remember those who have fallen but for those family and friends, Memorial Day is 365 days a year.

These words are still my favorite.

So I’ve been playing around with the idea of doing a Memorial Day post more than just on Memorial Day. Why can’t I take the time and do a post once a week for a full year in remembrance of those who have died? I’m blessed to have this platform at RedState and I have finally decided to get off my duff and do a post every Monday for the next 52 weeks to honor people who gave everything they had and service to the United States of America.

We take this moment to recall Texas Tom, my neighbor and friend, who passed away in Vietnam.

CPL Hillard was born March 1, 1948 and died in Vietnam, March 15, 1969. He was a friendly, cheerful person that my neighbor knew as he grew up. Only 150 pounds, he was the star of the high school football team. He also served as President of Future Farmers of America.

In order to earn some cash, he joined Dale Anderson’s local dairy farm. After high school, he was sent to India by the Peace Corps for about six months. Rosemary Brain was his bride and he returned home to marry. In March 1968, he enlisted and was sent to Vietnam with Company B, 26th Engineer Battalion.

Just two weeks after his 21st birthday, the Corporal young died.

The war in which the United States of America was divided saw Corporal Bill Hillard serve. It is not the purpose of this memorial to debunk any aspect or merit of that war. This is done in order to remind us that many young Americans have served their country throughout history. Some never returned home.

The loss of a young, vibrant man in his prime affected his home town.

America has lost a part of her future, and she owes an unpaid debt.

According to The, the bridge that runs through Randolph in New York was renamed CPL William James Hillard memorial Bridge last November. This 52-year anniversary of his death, Post-Journal.

Corporal Hillard is an excellent example of what the City of Randolph, New York State, and America are all about. We should remember that our nation isn’t just about the flag and anthem, but its people who serve it in all of their many forms.

God blesses his loved ones and his friends. May his memory live on forever.

This is my humble thanks for reading it. I would appreciate your help if you could. It is my goal to post one per week. If you are able to, please send me names of those you know who gave their lives for their country. My bio is your contact information. Click HereSend me your ideas.