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August 3, 2008
A hero
Michael Girdano died serving our country in Afghanistan, fighting for freedom. He is a member of Apollo-Ridge High School's Class of 2003. And he is a hero.
I remember when he found out he was going to West Point in high school. He couldn't be pulled down from the cloud that he was on... He was a good kid when we were in school. Funny. Always smiling. I remember "ACL Day" in our World Cultures class my junior year--we celebrated when another football player could walk again after an injury. Mike and his friends coordinated it. Even faux trophies were handed out and speeches were given.
It's hard to swallow this, and I'm only distantly connected. He is my classmate. I played softball with his younger sister for several years. All I can do is pray for his family, his friends. Those really close to him. I'm watching from the outside and I hurt just thinking about what pain they must be experiencing. We are so young... We are just beginning our own lives.
It's sobering. Terrifying. My high school graduating class is dwindling. From 84 now to 82. One passed away within six months. Now, not just my class, but our whole town mourns a military death.
There's been a lot of news coverage, to say the least. (Below are some links, but I don't know how long they will stay current, and I know some are syndicated.) The news has reminded my whole town of two other young men who also recently died fighting abroad--three since 2003. I know for sure that lots of people remember Mike from his performance on our high school's football team. He also played in the Army v. Navy game. My high school has already announced that Mike's jersey will be retired at a home game this year... It is sad that the world will never know what else Mike could have done... but I respect him so much, and thank him, for his sacrifice. My God, what a sacrifice.
Update 8/9/08: Memorial service
MSNBC
KDKA
WPXI
WTAE
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Philly.com
Posted by KarissaKilgore at August 3, 2008 9:51 PM
Comments
A moving tribute, Karissa.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at August 4, 2008 11:41 AM
Karissa, i came across your blog today and read the tribute to Michael, very well written. While reading the tribute, I came across the section about Ian, know it has been several years now but i had no idea he was gone. May God watch over our whole entire graduation class of 2003. Take care.
Posted by: Lindzey (Swarden) Golembesky at August 8, 2008 11:08 PM
Beautiful tribute Karissa. I was in total shock when I first heard the news. I hope Michael knows that we are all proud of him and his service to our country.
Posted by: Ginger (Goodman) Polka at August 11, 2008 9:53 AM