Mona Shores School Visit – 2010
On June 12, 2010, approximately 80 students and chaparones from Mona Shores Middle School in Michigan met at Arlington Cemetery. This was the third consecutive year that Eric Wahlberg and the Mona Shores staff conducted the visit. Similar to their meetings the last two years, Eric Wahlberg, a teacher at Mona Shores, arranged for the get together. Eric had struck on the idea two years ago to use the life of Marine Lance Corporal Eric Herzberg to help educate students at Mona Shores about civics, history, democracy and the role that our volunteer military plays in protecting freedom around the world.
Eric’s family including his Dad (also named Eric), his step-mom Wendi, step-sister Melanie and step-brother Brendan met with the students on an extremely warm summer afternoon. As was the case the previous years, the afternoon was a very profound and emotional experience. Eric’s step-mom Wendi shared images from a scrapbook she had put together and Eric’s dad 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. Many tears were shed. I know that we, as Eric’s family, will never forget this day.
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. That is included below.
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.
Letters
Mona Shores student Ryan Fritz
Mona Shores student Mallory Schrier
Mona Shores student Magann Dykema
Mona Shores student Maddie Myhre
Mona Shores student Erika Vanderlann
Mona Shores student Courtney Mckenzie
One Comment
Eric Wahlberg
October 29th, 2010
To the Herzberg Family: The thanks goes to you and your son. Our country is what it is because of soldiers and families like yours.