Eulogy
“We gave you our lives, now give us our voice”. Telling the tale of a fallen soldier enables us to appreciate the supreme sacrifice of such brave men. Their voice, now silenced by death, seeks liberation, and every fallen soul is just as worthy of that voice.
A man rising from a distant land stumbles upon a new frontier. Beneath the ground that was once bathed in the blood of countless men, lies an individual that leads a life of freedom; freedom from constant fear and anxiety; freedom from sleepless nights and endless trauma; and freedom from sorrow. Rejoicing in everlasting contentment lays this courageous individual.
This man, who embodies the essence of sacrifice and courage, was named Pedro Rodón. Born in 1921, he led a life of continuous service. He was the son of Enrique Rodón and Aurelia Pérez. His siblings were Juanita Rodón and Julio Rodón. His family lived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Both of his parents died when he was very young. In search of a better lifestyle, Pedro Rodón migrated to New York after the 1920’s. It is during his residence here that he was able to progress and make a living as a cook in the New York Hotel. Later, he decides to join the fight against Germany and Japan by enlisting in the war effort in April 9th, 1943.
In the militia, he became a member of the 279th Company of the 505th Port Battalion; he worked laboriously to fulfill his job as a longshoreman. Representing the heart and soul of the engineer special brigades, PFC Rodón held the vital but, unglamorous, task of unloading supplies and equipment needed for the fighting men. The soldiers could not fight without weapons, ammunition, and other supplies, therefore the job this man held proved to be an exceedingly necessary task to the Allied success.
This soldier, who significantly contributed to his country, was not able to truly benefit from his relatively short span of life. Pedro died accidently when he stepped on a land mine at La Havre in September 29, 1945. By completely giving himself through duty, loyalty, and honor, Pedro sacrificed the family he had formed in Wales along with his life. His death, however, was not in vain. Pedro left a legacy through his only son, Peter Clive Rodón, his future wife Margaret Rodón and their children. His widow Barbara Rodón, suffered greatly from his loss but continues to remember him today. It is truly sad to think that this man who sacrificed his life for freedom was not able to fulfill his personal dreams.
As he has become part of us, we have also become part of him. The man before us, is present in spirit, and symbolizes the true meaning of a hero, who risked his life for a cause. As president Harry Truman once stated. “Our debt to the heroic men…in the service of our country can never be repaid.” Along with other comrades, Pedro earned the undying gratitude of America, a nation that would forever remind Americans of their soldier’s valiant efforts. Now I stand before a grave that holds an empty casket. The soldier that once laid in the midst of darkness and ashes, has already risen to the heavens. Sleep on dear Pedro and rest, for God knows what is best for all of His children.
A man rising from a distant land stumbles upon a new frontier. Beneath the ground that was once bathed in the blood of countless men, lies an individual that leads a life of freedom; freedom from constant fear and anxiety; freedom from sleepless nights and endless trauma; and freedom from sorrow. Rejoicing in everlasting contentment lays this courageous individual.
This man, who embodies the essence of sacrifice and courage, was named Pedro Rodón. Born in 1921, he led a life of continuous service. He was the son of Enrique Rodón and Aurelia Pérez. His siblings were Juanita Rodón and Julio Rodón. His family lived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Both of his parents died when he was very young. In search of a better lifestyle, Pedro Rodón migrated to New York after the 1920’s. It is during his residence here that he was able to progress and make a living as a cook in the New York Hotel. Later, he decides to join the fight against Germany and Japan by enlisting in the war effort in April 9th, 1943.
In the militia, he became a member of the 279th Company of the 505th Port Battalion; he worked laboriously to fulfill his job as a longshoreman. Representing the heart and soul of the engineer special brigades, PFC Rodón held the vital but, unglamorous, task of unloading supplies and equipment needed for the fighting men. The soldiers could not fight without weapons, ammunition, and other supplies, therefore the job this man held proved to be an exceedingly necessary task to the Allied success.
This soldier, who significantly contributed to his country, was not able to truly benefit from his relatively short span of life. Pedro died accidently when he stepped on a land mine at La Havre in September 29, 1945. By completely giving himself through duty, loyalty, and honor, Pedro sacrificed the family he had formed in Wales along with his life. His death, however, was not in vain. Pedro left a legacy through his only son, Peter Clive Rodón, his future wife Margaret Rodón and their children. His widow Barbara Rodón, suffered greatly from his loss but continues to remember him today. It is truly sad to think that this man who sacrificed his life for freedom was not able to fulfill his personal dreams.
As he has become part of us, we have also become part of him. The man before us, is present in spirit, and symbolizes the true meaning of a hero, who risked his life for a cause. As president Harry Truman once stated. “Our debt to the heroic men…in the service of our country can never be repaid.” Along with other comrades, Pedro earned the undying gratitude of America, a nation that would forever remind Americans of their soldier’s valiant efforts. Now I stand before a grave that holds an empty casket. The soldier that once laid in the midst of darkness and ashes, has already risen to the heavens. Sleep on dear Pedro and rest, for God knows what is best for all of His children.