Memorial Day

Today is not just the start of summer — it’s a day of remembrance.

Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and remember the lives given in service.

While we will always be grateful to all who serve and have served their country,
This day, in particular, is for the men and women who never made it home.

On this day, I remember my great-uncle, Samuel Matthew Hammond.
He was born in 1920 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and married his wife, Anna, just one year before filling out his World War II draft card — a quiet beginning to a chapter that would soon lead him overseas.

Samuel was called into service in 1944 and began his Marine Corps training on June 17, completing it on November 11 of that year. The very next day, November 12, 1944, he was deployed to the Pacific theater.

He made it through much of the war unscathed.

In March 1945, he was temporarily attached to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division for the Iwo Jima campaign. His unit remained offshore in floating reserve until March 10, when they were ordered to make their assault on the island.

That same day, my great-uncle, Samuel Hammond — a brave and committed Marine — was killed in action.

His story is one of service, courage, and deep sacrifice. 

Today, and always, I honor his memory and his sacrifice.