Bob McCarty Writes

Army Pvt. Lucas M. Bregg

This morning, I attended a Veterans Day assembly at the middle school not far from St. Louis where two of my three sons are students.  One of about two-dozen veterans in attendance, I did not expect to feel the emotions I felt today.

Like most school assemblies of this nature, it featured the school band playing patriotic songs for each branch of the military, an all-girls choir singing patriotic songs and a guest speaker who spoke of his service as a Marine helicopter pilot during Vietnam and the need for today’s youth to pick up the baton of freedom when their time comes.

While a handful of youngsters in the bleachers behind me giggled and whispered throughout the assembly, apparently oblivious to the many sacrifices made on their behalf, four people at the assembly were painfully aware of the meaning of sacrifice.

One was the mother of Army Pvt. Lucas M. Bregg.  One was the fiancee Private Bregg planned to marry upon his return from Iraq.  Two others were young boys, neither old enough to drive, whom I’m guessing are Private Bregg’s younger brothers.

Today’s assembly was dedicated to Private Bregg, the local boy-turned hero who died July 8 at the age of 19 while answering his nation’s call to service in Iraq.   A member of the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas, he will forever be missed by members of his family and by other Americans who recognize his sacrifice.

I salute you, Private Bregg!