The forgotten fallen

On May 25, 2009, the United States marked Memorial Dayto remember and honor those men and women who perished in every war or military action. One of those men was my brother, the late Corporal Joe Jr. Gogue Charfauros.

Every year, a small ceremony would be held in honor of these soldiers. This happens down at the newly named Corporal Joe Jr. G. Charfaurus Veteran’s Memorial Park in Sonton Area, next to Sunset Villa. Last year the event was recognized with all dignitaries, JROTC cadets, DPS, some government employees, and a couple of families that have loved ones serving in different branches of the armed forces. It was also important last year because it marked the first death anniversary of my brother, who is the first soldier from the tiny island of Rota to ever get killed in action in Iraq.

Last Memorial Day morning, we made it a point to go down and attend the ceremony in honor of my brother as well as the other soldiers who have died serving our country. To our dismay, there was no ceremony, no dignitaries, cadets, no government employees, no other family members who have loved ones serving in the military! The only individuals present were Mr. Ike Mendiola, his guest, my uncle, Mr. Nobert Mundo (retired Army), and some pastor whom I didn’t know, and Mr. Alfred M. Apatang (vice-chairman of RMC) who was passing by and decided to join us.

This pastor called our family and they all gathered in front of the memorial and he said some prayers. I didn’t get down from my truck because I couldn’t believe that a very important holiday wasn’t recognized this year. My brother, Corporal Joe Jr. G. Charfaurus, deserves to be honored. I’m disappointed and curious as to who is in charge of this once a year memorial service. It’s sad to say this but we have a Veteran’s Association here on Rota and so many military retirees, yet the only one who showed up was Mr. Mundo.

Not only did Mr. Mundo show up, but he provide the American flag for that day, since there wasn’t any flown at half-staff to honor the heroes. I wonder if this has to do with the fact that some veterans are not too happy with the renaming of the Veteran’s Memorial Park. If that’s the case, then you go and tell those three beautiful fatherless children that their father doesn’t deserve that honor. I apologize in advance if I offend anyone with this matter. I want to thank those few individuals who were present at the memorial park. It’s just hard to understand things like this, and I pray no other family should ever go through this ordeal, losing a loved one violently with no explanations at all.

To all men and women who served, died, and are presently serving in the armed forces, we salute you and may God bless you all. My brother may be forgotten this year but for us the family he will always be honored and never forgotten.