By Dennis Volkert
A Memorial Day ceremony was held May 26 at Oaklawn Park in Sturgis.
Featured speaker was Brad Urick, sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps.
Urick was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, and New River Air Station, N.C., In 1983, he was assigned to the headquarters of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit. He was deployed to Beirut, Lebanon, as part of a peacekeeping team. He survived an attack on the barracks that resulted in the death of 220 Marines, 18 sailors and three soldiers. He was the only survivor from the counter-intelligence team.
In Urick’s address at the Memorial Day service, titled “Grief Journey,” he recounted the experience of losing comrades, and the importance of “shared grieving.”
“Throughout the history of our nation, young men and women have risen to serve in defense of America,” he said. “During that time, thousands of parents went to bed one evening thinking of their sons and daughters in uniform, praying God would keep them safe and bring them home. Little did they know, the next day would bring them news that would shake their world to its very foundation.”
He recalled how he survived the attack, but close friends did not. The family of one made certain to provide continued support.
“I met the family of one of my best friends that was killed that day, Tom Thorstad … (They) looked beyond their own grief to a young Marine that was losing his ability to continue. They steadfastly hung on to me and gathered me into the warmth of their family.”
For 15 years, he carried grief alone, he said.
“Mr. and Mrs. Thorstad would not let me walk that journey by myself any longer.”
Urick emphasized how observances are essential as a reminder of sacrifice.
The family insisted that he return to Camp LeJeune for the Beirut remembrance.
“Outside Camp Johnson, there is a monument with the names of all those killed in Beirut … They said I needed to be there and surround myself with others who have been through what I had been through so that, together, we can help each other along this journey.”
Urick believes Memorial Day is a “stone of remembrance.”
“We can step away from this commemoration with renewed strength and help each other … long after we are gone, monuments will stand, and ceremonies will continue as a testimony to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”
Sturgis mayor Frank Perez opened the program with a welcome address.
“We gather to honor and remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our great nation,” Perez said. “Memorial Day is not just a holiday; it’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the strongest military in the world to protect our freedoms and our way of life … Each name put on a memorial, each flag placed on a grave across the street (at Oak Lawn Cemetery), represents a story of heroism and sacrifice.”
The ceremony included “Roll Call of the Dead,” led by Jim Broadbridge, American Legion Post 73; Salute to the Dead by VFW Honor Guard; “Roll Call of the Wars” (Tom Abney, commander, VFW Post 1355) and “Salute to the Wars” (Larry K. Richardson, FCCS (SW) USN Retired). Marvin Shields performed official flag-raising.
