In a Season of Remembrance, Here’s How I, as a Gold Star Brother, Honor Our Fallen on Memorial Day

2024-05-21T13:35:10-04:00

As we celebrate our fallen heroes during Memorial Day, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for those who have and continue to serve in our military, who may be separated from their families, and especially for those who paid the ultimate price, giving their lives to protect the freedom of ours. My brother is one of the fallen, and I’d like to share with you how I choose to honor his life.

In 2011, my younger brother, Navy Hospitalman Riley Gallinger-Long, was killed in action in Afghanistan at only 19 years old. I remember that day, my knock at the door, when my mom and pastor arrived to tell me the news. At the time, I felt so far removed from the danger that he was facing each day. I thought a neighbor must be knocking to tell me I left my headlights on again, not that my brother was dead. Even then, I assumed he died from some natural cause or medical emergency; I couldn’t fathom that he’d been killed in action.

The next weeks were surreal, like I was watching someone else’s life through my eyes. We received his body at Dover, and then flew back home to Cornelius, Oregon where Riley’s body would meet us a day later. Riley had just graduated from high school the year prior and the disbelief and grief was palpable. The streets of our hometown were lined with flags, with our neighbors holding signs that thanked Riley for his service. Local and national press were calling our house, and I took the lead for our family - answering questions about Riley’s life, his service, his kindness, and bravery. It felt good to share his story, even amidst the deep loss I was living with each day.

In 2022, I found myself looking for something more, looking for a consistent, long-term way to honor my brother’s life and legacy. I connected with Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) through a Survivor Service Expedition, and found so much more. I not only found an opportunity to heal and grow alongside other survivors, but I also realized something that has been life changing - giving back through service also serves me more than I could have ever imagined.

This Memorial Day, I’ll be serving with TMF through #TheHonorProject, where volunteers will be standing in for loved ones at cemeteries nationwide to honor our fallen heroes. Alongside others who have a calling to serve, I will be placing commemorative tokens at the resting places of the fallen, and pausing to honor their service and sacrifice. You can learn more and get involved here: https://www.travismanion.org/events/the-honor-project/

I wear my brother’s dog tags everyday. My brother was a hospitalman, and his job was to help people, so it’s my honor to keep his legacy alive by helping others, and to be of service through TMF.

The Honor Project

Response by SGT Kevin Hughes made May 22 at 2024 9:17 AM

2024-05-22T09:17:34-04:00

He would be as proud of you, as you are of him. keep up the good work.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made May 23 at 2024 7:54 PM

2024-05-23T19:54:47-04:00

Good evening, Zack Gallinger-Long . Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this. :-]

Response by 1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR) made May 30 at 2024 12:26 PM

2024-05-30T12:26:02-04:00

Zack,
Thank you for honoring your brother on Memorial Day and during every day of the year!

According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, Memorial Day is to remember and honor all military personnel who died in the service of our country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. Your brother gave his life in defense of our country and deserves the honor of rememberance on Memorial day!

However, some people (including our less than illusterious President Biden) fail to understand the full meaning of Memorial Day. In his latest Memorial Day address, he chose to include his son in the rememberance. Beau Biden died of cancer in 2015, at which time he was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor of Delaware - he did not die in the service of our country or from wounds sustained in battle!

Biden, speaking after laying the wreath, said that “everyone has lost and loved someone in the service of our country.” “I know how hard it can be. It can reopen that black wound in your chest. I know. This week marks nine years since I lost my son Beau,” he said, according to pool reports.

Someone needs to tell Biden that Veteran's day is the appropriate place to bring up the memory of his son! Beau Biden joined the Delaware Army National Guard in 2003. He attained the rank of major in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Biden's unit deployed to Iraq on October 3, 2008, and and returned in September 2009. He is a Veteran and deserves the rememberance on Veteran's Day.

Response by CAPT Genevieve Rich, MD, Ph.D. made Aug 14 at 2024 10:25 PM

2024-08-14T22:25:38-04:00

Thank you for sharing.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Aug 21 at 2024 7:14 AM

2024-08-21T07:14:37-04:00

You’re a good brother I think he’s looking down at you and is just as proud of you as you are of him.

Response by MSgt Alfred Gronroos made Aug 27 at 2024 12:17 PM

2024-08-27T12:17:49-04:00

Thanks for sharing and caring.