Dear Editor,
To the gentle residents of Hawthorne, Nevada,
For Armed Forces Day, my husband and I travelled to your small town in a bit of an anxious state since we were visiting the last place our son was alive. Our son, William Taylor Wild IV, was one of the USMC Hawthorne 7 lost on March 18, 2013.
It took us 3 flights and a 2 hour drive to reach Hawthorne. After a long day of travel, we were so warmly welcomed by the caring folks at VFW Post 2313 that provided a full meal and space to relax and talk with the families we’ve grieved with for the last 10 years that also came for the weekend. The following day, we arrived at the Hawthorne Army Depot to meet Larry Cruz and his professional and compassionate team dedicated to their mission. Your retired Fire Chief, Rob, managed us that day as we saw the beauty my son saw, walked possibly in his steps and shed many tears taking it all in. That evening the USO opened their doors to us for dinner provided by Barley’s. The next day was the Armed Forces Day recognition and parade and WOW what a parade it was. It was an honor to help carry our country’s flag down the street and see it raised as your young students played the National Anthem. That day and the next, the helpful and happy Elks family hosted us for dinner and breakfast.
We toured your amazing museum and stopped in many businesses to say hello and thank you. The generosity and beauty of Flowers by Ness was so appreciated.
Our hearts were broken on March 18, 2013 and now we know you have also been grieving for 10 years. While we were trying to pick up the pieces back in our home state, healing our hearts and family, you kept the candle burning in Hawthorne for our precious, brave boys.
You are where compassion lives. You live gently and you love deeply. We will forever be grateful,
Bill and Betz Wild
Maryland, USA
