Personal North Texas Tribute To Never Forget Fallen Soldiers
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MCKINNEY (CBSDFW.COM) - If there was a question whether people still remember, for 17 North Texas families, this weekend that question was answered.
"For them to honor and remember my brother's death six years after is very humbling," said Leila Willingham.
On November 5, 2009, Willingham's brother, Army Specialist Jason Hunt, was waiting in line for an eye test at Fort Hood when a gunman opened fire.
Hunt was one of 13 who were killed.
Saturday, those with the Texas Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Motorcycle Ride stopped in McKinney to give Willingham a plaque, portraits of her brother, and reassurance that he will not be forgotten.
The group this weekend will make 17 stops in North Texas.
"I think it is a family member's greatest fear that when you lose someone that they are going to forget about that person," said Willingham.
The nearly 40 riders lead a procession to nine homes Saturday and will stop at another eight on Sunday.
At each stop Saturday, after a brief presentation to the families, the riders visited with families members for nearly an hour.
Debbie and David Emard rode this year after the riders stop at their home in Terrell last year.
Their son, Army Specialist Jonathan Emard, was killed while serving in Iraq in 2008. He was 20 years old.
"It brings back of lot of memories but it's part of the healing and grieving process," said David Emard.
Organizers say it is a simple gesture but it will be one these families will likely never forget.
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