Mona Shores School Visit – 2012
On June 16, 2012, 102 students and chaparones from Mona Shores Middle School in Michigan met at Arlington Cemetery. This was the fifth consecutive year that Eric Wahlberg and the Mona Shores staff conducted the visit. Unlike other years, we caught a break in the weather as it was a mild 85 degrees. A few days later, it would be over 100 – good timing Shores!
Similar to their meetings the last four years, Eric Wahlberg, a teacher at Mona Shores, arranged for the get together. As a special surprise, Melanie and Brendan laid the wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier along with two other Mona Shores students.
Marine Lance Corporal Eric Herzberg’s family including his Dad (also named Eric), his step-mom Wendi, step-sisters Melanie and Melissa and step-brother Brendan met with the students. We also had a first time guest – our grandson Liam! ( in photo)
As was the case the previous years, the afternoon was a very profound and emotional experience. This year was special also because Melanie and Brendan, Eric Herzberg’s step-sister, were invited to go along with the class and join the kids for their remaining two days in DC. They said they loved the experience and had a wonderful time!
Like previous years, 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). The students surprised and humbled our family by presenting a check to the foundation from money they had raised. So very kind and generous!
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. The letters the Mona Shore students had written to Eric was very touching and heartwarming.
Included below is a very small sample of the students letters as well as some of the pictures.
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 Katrina Herder
Mona Shores student Abbey Dakin
Mona Shores student Jennie Peterson
Mona Shores student Muriel Bishop
Mona Shores student Mady Bacon
Mona Shores student Jared Pitman
Mona Shores student Chloe Grigsby
Mona Shores student Hannah Enstam
Mona Shores student Sarah and Gretchen Carlson
