BLOG: A Memorial Day Tribute to Those We Lost in the Fight for Freedom
Happy Memorial Day!
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the superficial celebrations of this annual holiday, like the making of a three-day weekend or the “start of summer.” But, we must never forget its true meaning as the time to honor the men and women who lost their life while serving in the United States military.
This year we sat down with the families of several veterans in Baltimore County to celebrate the accomplishments and service of the loved ones they lost. Join us in honoring their memories and taking time to offer gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.
MEET OUR HEROES
Toy Lark was a sergeant with the 318th Infantry Regiment in the 80th Division of the United States Army. One of his most notable missions consisted of him leading his platoon in to capture a Nazi stronghold during World War II. They seized a German artillery piece and the German soldiers who were manning it. This bravery earned Sargent Lark the Silver Star medal, the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. Unfortunately, the solider was also wounded during his fight oversees, but thankfully survived the trip home. His legacy and story lives on through his family, and his commitment and dedication to serve was passed on to his son.
Xavier Alex Martin of Halethorpe, Maryland was a sailor with the United States Navy. An excellent student, his ambitions took him from an internship program in 11th grade to full-time employee at the National Security Agency (NSA) until he enlisted into the U.S. Navy. After completing his accession training, which is where sailors go for technical training in their selected military occupational specialty, Martin quickly began to move up the ranks.
As a Personnel Specialist, Martin reported to his first command, Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) Guam. After a successful tour in Guam, he was stationed at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, where he reported to the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) in September 2016. On June 17, 2017, the USS Fitzgerald, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, collided with a container ship off the coast of Japan. At the young age of 24 years old, Martin, alongside six other shipmates, made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
Darrold Martin, Xavier Martin’s father, said that he and his only son’s mantra was, “We will figure it out”! Though his time with the Navy was cut short, PS1 Martin was awarded both the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, as well as various unit and service awards. His work ethic, professionalism and pursuit of excellence were moral codes that allowed him to reach the pay grade of E-6 in 5 years, a very rare fete in the military.
Eugene Matsushige was a sailor in the United States Navy. While serving during the Vietnam War, he was taken as a prisoner of war. His sacrifice was great, but he assured everyone that it was an honor to serve the country he loved and cared for so deeply. After being rescued and brought home, he refocused his attention on his education. Mr. Matsushige became a chemist for Sherwin Williams. He loved reading, gardening, music and his family. He will be remembered by those that loved him and had the honor of calling him their friend and family member as a man who was gifted with knowledge, a love of the arts, and bestowed those gifts on those he loved.
Gladys Miller Wisowaty was a member of the Army Nurse Corp during World War II. She joined the 23rd General Hospital Unit, which departed from Fort Meade. She was sent to North Africa for training before being stationed in Naples, Italy where hospitals were set up. Later, she continued onward to Marseille, France, where she helped care for casualties from the Battle of the Bulge in January of 1945. Ms. Wisowaty also took care of many wounded soldiers in Paris, France, when hotels were turned into hospitals. She would work long, hard days, but had fun dancing in the officer’s club, her daughter said. Ms. Wisowaty’s legacy of service carries on through her daughter who is a nurse practitioner.
With permission from his guardian, Gershom Byrnes joined the United States Marine Corp in 1983, six months prior to his 18th birthday.
“Being in the Marines was very important to him. He loved to serve. He was a true patriot,” said Catherine Byrnes, his wife.
After he turned of age, Mr. Byrnes was sent to Beirut, Lebanon with the Artillery Bomb Disposal Team. After he left the military, Mr. Byrnes felt the need to continue to serve, which is one of the reasons he joined the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD). With nearly 18 years with the BCPD, Mr. Byrnes – better known as B.Y. –was beloved among his peers and his community.
“B.Y. was like a father figure. He cared about young officers in the community. He was very stern and looked mean, but he was caring. He wanted them to succeed and wanted them to be better. He loved the Washington Redskins football team, and was a good guy. To know B.Y. was to love B.Y,” said Officer First Class Kevin Womack.
Sadly, as a result of contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina where Mr. Byrnes had been stationed, he developed multiple myeloma cancer and passed away in 2019. He has passed on his legacy of service to a number of his children who serve in the Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore County Department of Corrections and the United States military. Mr. Brynes is a true hero and so are all the other men and women who came before and after him.
THIS CELEBRATION IS FOR ALL OF OUR FALLEN SERVICEMEN
Our veterans are the pride of our community, especially here in Baltimore County. They sacrificed greatly for the good of our County, despite the challenges many of them faced upon their return. We are humbled, grateful, and proud of their steadfast service.
While we have chosen a small group of individuals to honor for this campaign, we know that there are many more stories out there. Write to us on Twitter or Facebook to share the story of your family member or friend who served in the United States military and has since passed on. This Memorial Day, and every day, we are thankful for their service.