Bob Markham– American Hero
It is with great sadness that I follow-up my last post with the news that Bob Markham passed away the other night. A humble man with respect to his military service, Bob is truly a hero to Michael and to me, not just for that service, but because his calling was honoring those who have been killed in action in our most recent conflicts. His mission was to make sure those who died in Iraq and Afghanistan received the honor and remembrance that he and the veterans of Vietnam never received.
Bob’s mission was small, placing the flags on those graves in Riverside National Cemetery every Saturday, but so great and honoring in the lives of families left behind. Bob’s vision of America and its military was “old school” in some minds. Bob was proud to be an American and knew that serving in her military was a small sacrifice made in gratitude to those who have gone before and as a way of saying proudly, “this is my America.”
I hope that Michael and I can continue Bob’s tradition with the dedication and sense of obligation he felt. As Bob is reunited with his wife who was called home before him, I hope that he has a chance to speak with each and every veteran he honored, men and women whom he never met but whose memories he chose to keep alive. I hope he meets our son Rhys, whose memories we shared with Bob on many occasions. As God welcomed Bob home, I am quite sure He said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
“Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.” Job 11:17-18
Rest in safety Bob Markham. It was truly an honor to know you.
She is also the mother of an American Hero. Her only child, Sgt. Rhys W. Klasno was killed in action on "Mother's Day," 13 May 2007 in Haditha, Iraq. Read her American Hero Tribute Blog and check out her Roofing Solutions Wonderkid Blog
- HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY RHYS - July 16, 2016
- Running the Race - August 4, 2014
- Testing the limits of my endurance - July 4, 2014
I have known Bob and Noni for many years as Bob was stationed with my husband and were in the same squadron. Yes, he was someone who was truly an American and proud to be. We haven’t seen each other for many years, probably since the last time he brought Noni back to Nebraska but we kept in contact by e-mail and occasionally I called him to rib him a little. I am so glad I was able to speak with him before he went into hospice and he was so happy to hear from me. My prayers go out to all of the kids and their kids who will miss him. Just remember the good times and how happy he is now to be with Noni. God bless you all.
Comment by Alice Weimer — March 6, 2010 @ 11:16 am