Mona Shores School Visit – 2011
On June 18, 2011, approximately 80 students and chaparones from Mona Shores Middle School in Michigan met at Arlington Cemetery. This was the fourth consecutive year that Eric Wahlberg and the Mona Shores staff conducted the visit. Similar to their meetings the last three years, Eric Wahlberg, a teacher at Mona Shores, arranged for the get together.
Marine Lance Corporal Eric Herzberg’s family including his Dad (also named Eric), his step-mom Wendi, step-sister Melanie and step-brother Brendan met with the students on a warm summer afternoon. As was the case the previous years, the afternoon was a very profound and emotional experience.
This year was special because Melanie Mckenna, Eric Herzberg’s step-sister, was invited to go along with the class and be one of the presenters of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. Alas, Melanie had the stomach flu on Satuday and couldn’t participate but she was able to join the kids the next day for their remaining two days in DC. She said she loved the experience!
Eric’s dad shared about Eric growing up and how he became such a selfless young man. He also shared about his work with the Michael Reagan portrait foundation (www.fallenheroesproject.org)
But most of the time was spent talking about Eric, the type of person he was and kind of impact he was having even though his time with us is over. Most treasured were letters the Mona Shore students had written to Eric.
Included below is a very small sample of the students letters as well as some of the pictures. One of the traditions that was started two years ago was a photo of Eric Wahlberg with Eric’s step-sister Melanie. Because Melanie was ill, this years photo is with Brendan and Eric Wahlberg. Brendan is Eric’s step-brother.
To the Mona Shores students, chaparones and to Eric Wahlberg, on behalf of our son Eric and his family, we want to say thank you for honoring him in this way. You have given us a precious gift and we are proud to call you our friends.
Student Letters to Eric
Mona Shores student Kate Huizinga
Mona Shores student Destin Morley
Mona Shores student Pierce Carew
Mona Shores student Kelsey Wolffis
Mona Shores student Ryan Wasilewski
Mona Shores student Jasmine Gulley
2 Comments
Douglas Miller
March 12th, 2012
Eric
March 12th, 2012
Thank you Doug for you and your family’s service. Your kind words are an encouragement to us.
Warm regards
Eric Herzberg
I served 32 years, my Dad 28, my Stepdad 5 before stepping on a mine, my brother has 18 years service now, my Son has 11 years service. As a military family we are closer I belive than the traditional non military family. Having led hundreds in peace & combat side by side & face to face with them a person over comes all boundries that separate people and is the cause of war in the first place. Only 1% of 1% serves this Great Country. The loss of one is felt by all. The military no matter what branch, from the Cook to the Combat leader, we are all brothers in arms. The Vanguard that allows our people the Freedoms they have without stopping and thinking what sacrifices were made to ensure that Freedom. Based on what you stated, Eric would have contributed so much more to this world in need. Yet by his Deeds, Your creation of this Web site, those children who visit Erics resting place, those he served with, Erics legacy, his ideas live on stronger than ever. May God Bless You & Your Family.