Matthew
Parkerson likes blue. So did his
father, US Marine Sgt. Harvey Parkerson III. Little
Matthew wears blue a lot in honor of his dad who gave his
all for our nation. Matthew is a proud son. He's no
different than most boys his age; daring, inventive and
inquisitive.
On 9-11 Matthew and his school mates
hold a special America Supports You Freedom Walk in honor
of his dad. Matthew and his family will be our guests of
honor as we pay tribute to his dad and fallen comrades at
our 911 Memorial Concert. Now in the third grade, this
proud eight year old son of a hero will join us on the
Amphitheatre stage in a salute to those who serve and
those who've given their all. At the conclusion of the
concert, it will be Matthew who will lead our Freedom
Walk.
Harvey
visited his son Matthew's kindergarten classroom at Olivehurst Elementary School to talk about his service in
the Marines and in the second Persian Gulf War. The
children asked him questions, and he explained his role in
terms they could understand. That was his first tour of
duty three years ago. The kids bonded with Harvey
and their classmate Matthew. One day the tragic news of
Harvey's death arrived.
That night I sat down to write a message
to Matthew and his teacher.
Shelley... Those of us who
have been given the opportunity to share a moment with a
young soldier, always knew in the back of our minds the
day could come that we'd find ourselves grieving for
them. Each heart they touched, young and old alike,
contributes to the belief we all share, that Freedom is
never Free. Please pass on to your students and
Matthew, this message from PDN.
"It's not how US Marine Harvey
Parkerson died that made him a hero, it is how he lived.
He chose honor, country and duty over a safer life. He
chose to share a moment of that life with each of you so
that you could carry that memory and what he stood for,
the rest of your lives. Celebrate his life as he would
have wanted you, his other friends and family to do.
It's okay to be sad but also be glad. Know that each of
you is special for having shared something
wonderful that brought a smile and happiness to a young
hero when he was with you."
Matthew...
as one who lost a father to war, I know your sadness
will always be there. Over time, the warmth of his
memory and the pride you will always carry, is another
gift from your dad that will last a lifetime. It's one
you can share proudly with your children one day. God
Bless you and your family and your Dad's service to
America.
From the events of 911 Memorial & Freedom
walk:
Matthew receives a saving bond from his
teacher and a grateful community.
Matthew prepares to lead his 451
schoolmates on their Freedom Walk.
In Sacramento
on 9/11
OH VP Dave Jenest chats with Matthew and
his grandmother Lori. Moments later
Dave and Matthew talked about their common connection:
having lost dads to war
but that they will always live in each other's hearts
and loved by those they served.
Matthew and his family honor all who
gathered, to lead Freedom Walk 2006
Matthew
Parkerson likes blue. So did his
father, US Marine Sgt. Harvey Parkerson III. Little
Matthew wears blue a lot in honor of his dad who gave his
all for our nation. Matthew is a proud son. He's no
different than most boys his age; daring, inventive and
inquisitive.
Harvey
visited his son Matthew's
kindergarten classroom at Olivehurst Elementary School to talk about his service in
the Marines and in the second Persian Gulf War. The
children asked him questions, and he explained his role in
terms they could understand. That was his first tour of
duty three years ago. The kids bonded with Harvey
and their classmate Matthew. One day the tragic news of
Harvey's death arrived.
