27, of North Berwick, Maine; assigned to the 744th Transportation Company, Army National Guard, Hillsboro, N.H.; died March 29 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device and fell from a bridge near Balad, Iraq.
To honor SGT Jeremiah J. Holmes, his sister, Nancy Allard Jusseaume retrieved this stone from their parents herb garden in North Berwick, Maine.
Nancy Jusseaume describes the origin of the stone and her brother –
“The stone came from our parents’ herb garden. Their house was the gathering place for all of our cousins and friends. Most importantly, 4 the of July, Christmas eve… really all major holidays… Jay was the oldest of 5 siblings from one of my sister’s actually, so he is technically my nephew, though when my sister was murdered, they all were in orphanages for a while. Jay came to live with us when grandparents were given rights of guardianship – he grew up regarding us as his sisters and my parents as his more than the other, and us regarding him as a brother/son. I also lost my brother who was 2 years older than me (Jay’s uncle Brian who was also Army). Losing so many healthy family members young (Sheila-Jay’s birth mother was 31; Brian was 21 and Jay was 27), was tough on us all but built a strong sense of family. Jay especially cherished that time and would do everything he could to help out any one of us. His hearty laugh still fills my head today. He always wanted to please others and wanted to be able to provide for Mom & Dad – I think he had hoped to be able to do that for them when he returned. Their home and the gardens meant so much to him, because they gave him a chance to grow into a man much like the herbs that came out of the garden. The garden was next to the swimming pool, where he spent most of his summer when he was home – he joined the high school swim team. He was very proud of that, as well as being next to the horseshoe pits, where we always had ‘friendly’ competitions and lots of laughs. No one came to the house – family or friends or new acquaintances without playing! So, in a way, the herb garden (and the rock) saw a lot of memories throughout the years.”
24 Comments
thinking of you and sending loving thoughts to your family. Jay is Never Forgotten!
I will be carrying SPC Holmes’ stone Memorial Day weekend. I am so honored to be doing this. I am also from North Berwick, so I can not wait for this honor. SPC Holmes well never be forgotten
My name is Joy Owens and I had the honor of learning about Army National Guard Spc. Jeremiah J. Holmes for The Summit Project. Due to unforeseen circumstances I was assigned a new stone at the start of the hike that represented all of Maine’s fallen heroes from July 4, 1976 to September 11, 2001. I felt honored to be carrying the “life” of so many heroes up Cadillac Mountain. I could feel the spirit, the burdens, and emotions of those heroes during the hike. Although I was unable to carry Jay’s stone (as I learned he was affectionately called by family and friends), I did very much think of him and his family during the hike since I already felt emotionally connected. The weather was less than perfect for the hike and all I could think of is that rain, that mist, that wind, those were tears shed by the families, the friends, fellow heroes. I didn’t care that the weather didn’t cooperate, that we couldn’t see more than 25 feet for visibility, that it was cold, all I cared about was those soldiers, Jay, along with their families and what obstacles they have had to overcome with the loss of such amazing lives. The elevation of the mountain, poor visibility, rain, and wind was NOTHING compared to what they had to go through. I embraced the challenge, each step I took, we worked together as a team, we slowed down as needed, stopped for break as needed and we conquered that mountain as a whole. As the summit of Cadillac Mountain, although I wasn’t able to hike with Jay’s stone, I did share what I had learned about him anyway. I thought of his wife and child, his family, even his mother whom he had lost at a young age. A life full of obstacles and he gave his own life fighting for our country. I shared about his family, his love for swimming, his horseshoe playing, his hearty laugh, and his personality, I wish I had been able to meet him in person, he seems like he was a wonderful man. At the summit is when I realized that Jay’s stone was actually with another man on my own team. I had a feeling the entire time and I think I know why, I could FEEL the presence. The other gentleman was kind enough to offer for me to carry Jay’s stone for the remainder of the trip to which I happily agreed would be a magnificent idea! The Summit Project was an amazing experience and I am really looking forward to taking on the challenge again.
Hello, my name is Rick Barnaby a member of Patriot Riders of America Maine chapter 1. This is the second time I have had the Privilege and Honor of carrying a Summit Project Stone during our annual Spring Ride for the Troops. This time I carried Spc. Jeremiah J. Holmes. I learned he lived in the town adjacent to mine while reading his bio… To say Thank You to his family just doesn’t seem to be enough, to touch and carry a stone that they handpicked to represent their family member is such an emotional time, I can’t imagine how it must have been for them and will Forever be a tie and remembrance that All will Cherish and Respect Forever. God Bless and Forever Grateful for you Service and Sacrifice to our Great nation, You nor your family will Ever be forgotten.
Hello, my name is Rick Barnaby a member of Patriot Riders of America Maine chapter 1. This is the second time I have had the Privilege and Honor of carrying a Summit Project Stone during our annual Spring Ride for the Troops. This time I carried Spc. Jeremiah J. Holmes. I learned he lived in the town adjacent to mine while reading his bio… To say Thank You to his family just doesn’t seem to be enough, to touch and carry a stone that they handpicked to represent their family member is such an emotional time, I can’t imagine how it must have been for them and will Forever be a tie and remembrance that All will Cherish and Respect Forever. God Bless and Forever Grateful for you Service and Sacrifice to our Great nation, You nor your family will Ever be forgotten.
Hello, my name is Jett Troutt. I’m 16 years of age, a sophomore at Hermon High school and a member of the JROTC program for the past two years. At the age of seven, my life changed dramatically when my cousin, SPC Dustin J. Harris was killed in Iraq. Over the last nine years our family has grown with love and support from our fallen heroes families. This was the main reason I decided to participate in the hike for the Summit Project, by sharing your Hero’s legacy. The heroism and sacrifice our soldiers have given for our country is dear to my heart.
I was given the honor of carrying SPC Jeremiah “Jay” Holmes stone. The connection I felt with Spc. Holmes was the day he had lost his life is also my birthday. I feel Spc. Holmes family needs to know how a person I have never met had touched my life. It was my honor to carry your Hero’s stone. I carried a picture of him and his son along with the stone in my backpack. I was a part of the third group which was the blue team. As we hiked up the mountain and neared the top, although most of us didn’t know each other we all had the sense of heavy hearts.
Once we reached the peak we gathered around in a circle and began one of the most touching parts of the hike. It was nice hearing everyone’s connections with their soldier’s stones and highlights of all the soldiers’ lives. The entire weekend was an amazing experience, and it was an honor to feel a part of Spc Holmes legacy. The stories shared, tears and gratitude we each felt transformed us from strangers to a bond we each experienced that most would not understand. It was my honor and what little bit I could contribute to your Hero’s Legacy by carrying his stone and sharing a part of his life. God Bless America!
My name is Jordan Mackin and I had honor of carrying the memorial stone of Army National Guard Spc. Jeremiah J. Holmes on October 17th, 2015, during The Summit Project hike at Acadia National Park. Prior to the hike, I made it my mission to learn as much about SGT Holmes’ life as possible. SGT Holmes was a strong, resilient family man, who took great pride in protecting his country. His friends and family most often called him Jay, but in the weeks leading up to the hike, I always referred to him as Jeremiah.
Last weekend, as we neared the summit of Cadillac Mountain, I had the honor of carrying our country’s flag along with the memorial stone of a man who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms; all while being surrounded by an amazing group of people who shared my same passion for making sure our Maine heroes are not forgotten. It’s hard to put into words the feelings of pride, serenity, and complete happiness that consumed me in that moment.
I was overcome by thoughts and emotions as we embarked upon the summit. As we all gathered around for our summit ceremony, I could no longer recall the words I had planned to share about SGT Holmes. When it came to my turn to speak, my mind was blank but somehow the words flowed out of my mouth just as smoothly as the tears rolling down my cheeks. While sharing SGT Holmes’ story, I began referring to him as Jay; just as if I had known him in the same way his family and friends did.
Although I never got the chance to meet Jay, I feel a connection with him that I can’t even begin to put into words. He will forever hold a special place in my heart and I am extremely honored that I got to experience my first Summit Project hike with him. I will forever keep Jay’s memory alive and make it my mission to share his story with anyone that will listen.
I was extremely honored to carry Jays stone during a Veterns Day Remembrance 4 mile run followed by a hike up Blue Hill Mountain. I remember hiking up the mountain caring his stone with my two daughters at my side. We talked about the importance of the stone, The Summit Project and I told them Jays story. They were full of questions and I was happy to answer them and explain how he fought for our country and should never be forgotten. The day after the hike my girls went to school and shared all the information I had told them with their classmates. Talking to them about the stone and the importance of it and how Jeremiah served our country. That’s what this is all about, remembering our heroes. Making sure they are never forgotten. Through TSP and my experience with it I connected to a soldier in a way I never thought I would. And seeing others, like my daughters, find that connection as well and hearing how they passed it along to others is how we make sure that Maine Soldoers like Jay will never be forgotten.
Dear Family and Friends of Jeremiah Holmes,
I had the pleasure of hiking with Jay’s stone on my family’s annual Christmas Day hike. This year it was a clear and unusually warm December day. The light danced in the trees and I could feel his fun-loving, kind and lively presence in the sparkling icy stream, prancing shadows and playful light beams. As a mother, wife, sister and daughter I keenly felt his loss. And at the summit I became aware that my best Christmas gift was the honor of placing his namesake high into the golden sky.
Humbly honored,
Erina White
To the family of Army National Guard SGT Jeremiah J. Holmes: I had the honor and privilege to carry the stone of Army National Guard SGT Jeremiah J. Holmes as part of The Summit Project hike at Baxter State Park on Sunday, May 29, 2016. There were some challenging conditions on the hike due to the rain, wind and cold weather. The challenging parts of the hike reminded me of how much Jay overcame personally as a young man. It takes a truly strong person to overcome the personal losses Jay experienced at such a young age. The challenging parts of the hike reminded me of Jay’s selflessness, willingness to help others, his personal strength and his desire to provide for others. I have no doubt that Jay would have loved our team comradery and how we helped each other up the mountain through the challenging parts of the hike. I had the honor and privilege to place Jay’s stone at the top of Owl Peak at Baxter State Park. This was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced and somewhere I have no doubt Jay was experiencing it and enjoying it as well with us all. Jay’s character, strength, selflessness and desire to help others will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service Jay. You were a truly strong and remarkable man and you will never be forgotten. You are still having an impact on us all. Your strength, character, selflessness and will be with us all forever. This world is a better place because of you and the impact you had.
To the family and friends of Mr. Holmes,
Today Greg Johnson and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 44 children who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 27 stones up the mountain today. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
I carried his stone up Table Rock Mountain today. I had a connection with him because both of us have gardens. I am very sorry for your loss and I will say prayers for him. Sometimes, if you can’t get someone off of your mind, it’s because your mind always knows what your heart is thinking about.
Love,
AJ
Dear family and friends of Jeremiah,
Today Greg Johnson and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 44 children who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 27 stones up the mountain today. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
When the project was first introduced to us I thought I completely understood how I would feel. I was wrong. At first it felt just like I was carrying a heavy rock, it made me very tired, but while I was hiking I started thinking about Jeremiah and about all of the Veterans that gave their lives for this country. Being able to physically hold the stone of someone who gave their life for my country means so much to me. I can honestly say that I felt a personal connection to him as I read about his personality. I can’t thank him enough for giving his all to his family and his friends and his country. All Americans should have the bravery and love that he had.
Love,
Samantha
To the family and friends of Jeremiah,
Today Angel Matson and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 30 children who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 24 stones up the mountain today. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
“Like most of the people in my group, I didn’t know the heroes being carried up the mountain, but I still felt honored to have escorted a fallen hero to the top.
Love,
Max”
To the family of Jeremiah Holmes,
I’ve been ponder what to write to all of you for the last couple weeks since the hike, I’ve briefly thought of his service (which was very similar to my brother’s experience from what I could tell), I briefly thought of the herb garden where the stone came from and all the gatherings the stone had seen before it became a part of TSP, and I’ve also thought about the tragic events Jeremiah and the rest of the family had to endure long before the passing of “Jay.” But my mind kept rolling back to one imagine that I was able to find on numerous websites.
That image that my mind kept drifting back to was the image of Jeremiah and his infant son. I can sense the love he has for his son in the picture. The picture tells me so many things. With the kiss, I can tell the great love he had for his son and the rest of his family, the way Jeremiah is holding him up, I can sense the immense amount of pride he has in his child and being a father. His famous smile, that cannot actually be seen in the picture, but I can feel his smile in this picture.
That one image tells me so much more about Jeremiah. I have never met any of you, or Jeremiah in person, but I know that Jeremiah is the kind of man that I am still striving to be. Loving, caring, family first, hero. All words that I have found to describe and think of when I think about Jeremiah. All things that I hope to be for everyone around me.
It was such an honor to carry the stone and story of Jeremiah. It gave me great pride to once again be apart of the Summit Project and carry your son, brother, father, and husband’s stone with me.
Dylan “Sherpa” Harris
Gold Star Brother
I had the honor of carrying Jeremiah’s stone during a recent walk in Kennebunk. I am a retired Naval Officer and treasured every one of my men and women and I am certain Jeremiah was treasured by his troops also. Everyone of the men and women of the services are critical and treasured by Americans across the country. It is always regretful when such a vibrant young man becomes a sacrifice for our brave nation. Know Jeremiah’s legacy lives on forever and I was proud and honored to carry Jeremiah’s stone.
With great honor and respect.
Ed Lohoski
Dear Family and Friends of Jeremiah,
I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and story of Jay on a hike up Owl Mtn with the Summit Project on March 27, 2018. A group of 12 hikers each carried a stone and shared the story of the soldier they carried in a circle at the top of the mountain. I spoke proudly about Jay and shared his story of loss, character and courage with the group and others over the weekend.
It was easy to speak about Jay, as I was so touched by what I had learned. I was saddened to read about and imagine the deep sense of loss he must have felt to lose his mother at such a young and formative age. The time he spent in the orphanage and the separation from his siblings must have been so difficult. It would have been very easy for these difficult losses to have impacted him in lasting negative ways. But this is not Jay’s story – Jay’s story for me is one of duty, courage and character.
As I hiked, I imagined Jay tagging along with the neighbors’ kids, proudly swimming for the High School team, playing horseshoes in the garden and supporting his family and friends. Descriptions of Jay such as “A wonderful individual”, “A keeper”, and “Kind and caring” tell me the story of a young man of great character.
I thought about the sense of duty to protect others that Jay felt, and how that likely contributed to his decision to serve active duty in the military and beyond that in the National Guard. Even as he was starting a family, moving back to the neighborhood of his youth, and progressing in his career Jay continued to serve his country. It was truly an honor to represent Jay and place his stone at the top of mountain.
The day of the hike was a beautiful day with bright skies and incredible views. It was truly a day to cherish life and express deep gratitude that there are those like Jay that put themselves in harm’s way to protect the freedoms and safety of others.
Carrying Jay’s stone brought him to life for me and those that I told about him. His life and deeds inspire me to lead my life in a way that is worthy of his and your sacrifice.
Truly Honored,
Mark LoSacco
To the family, friends and loved ones of Jeremiah Holmes,
My name is TSgt Alyssa Nelson, a member of the 101st Maine Air National Guard in Bangor Maine. I had the privilege to carry the stone in memory of SGT Jeremiah Holmes.
This opportunity came within our section when our Superintendent came to us with the idea to participate in The Summit Project. This was an exercise meant to build moral and teamwork but offered much more than we expected. Our trip took place at Gulf Hagus in northern Maine, a trail that takes part of the Appalachian Trail. Among the stops along the hike, each of us would share the story of the fallen hero we were given. This gave us the opportunity to learn about each individual, their likes, their family and their story.
Prior to the hike, our Superintendent chose stones for each individual based on common aspects. I was given SGT Jeremiah Holmes. The reasoning behind that was simply because I am originally from New Hampshire and Holmes was a member of the Guard Base there. After pulling up his information I quickly realized we had more in common than anticipated. Within the first sentence it states that Holmes was assigned to the 744th Transportation Company in N.H. The moment I read that I picked up the phone and texted my father, Glenn Nelson, who was also a member of the 744th Transportation Company when I was young. I looked up the dates and soon realized that my father and Holmes were deployed together, had memories together and I was somehow chosen to carry his stone.
I am honored in many ways to have learned about SGT Holmes and the sacrifice he has made to our country. I carried his stone miles through the Maine woods and shared his story to the other members of my unit. His memory will not be forgotten and neither will his bravery. This trip was more than a moral building exercise but it was an honor and a very humbling experience.
I participated in the Husky Ruck 10K yesterday at Pineland Farms. I had my pack all weighed ready for the ruck to start. When I found out that Jeremiah’s stone was available to carry, there was no doubt in my mind that I would add the weight and carry it the whole way through. You see, I grew up with Jeremiah. I went to school with him in North Berwick and graduated with him from Noble High School in 1994. I have participated in the Run for the Fallen in the past and it was my honor to participate in carrying his stone in the Husky Ruck and I plan on doing it again next year.
This year, despite these uncertain times, I had the honor and pleasure nonetheless to carry the stone of Sgt. Jeremiah Holmes of the NH Army National Guard.
Choosing a mountain suitable to represent the TSP Baxter hike was difficult. How do you bring that team spirit, that focus on the mission, that comrade somewhere else? The answer : you don’t. There’s nothing like the TSP spirit, and I’m already waiting for next time so we can all be back together. What didn’t change, though, is the connection I felt to the story, the person behind the print-out stone I carried. Jeremiah was on the swim team. He played for the school band. He liked machines, owning a “Harley”, and enjoyed building things with his dad. Me too, me too. That’s how it always goes; we find a piece of ourselves in the story of our fallen heroes, and that doesn’t change with distance.
The hike was rough but beautiful. The mud and roots gave way to the beautiful views of Mt. Washington, still snow-capped and frigid. At a place near the summit, we sat for a quiet lunch, and soon found ourselves in a circle ceremony of 2, me and my dad. It was a nice, peaceful hike overall, but nothing can compare to the real thing. To next year’s hike!
To the family of Army National Guard SGT Jeremiah J. Holmes, my name is Bonnie Mclaughlin and I had the honor of hiking with Jeremiah’s stone. I first learned about the Summit Project last year from a co-worker and while I didn’t do the hike in 2020, I was excited that this year’s hike could be done virtually; thereby allowing me (a non-hiker) to participate. I felt a connection from the start when I read the numerous comments/letters from past hikers. I attended Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim NH which is 7.5 miles from Hillsboro. I’m a master gardener and love the fact that his stone was chosen from an herb garden by his sister. I was in the high school band. The activities that he enjoyed are also loved by my family (horse shoes and swimming in the pool). Karma brought us together for this hike.
I was excited for this hike and as the morning approached, I wasn’t feeling well but I reminded myself of the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and that they did not have the luxury of “calling in sick”. I pulled up my boot straps and met my co-hiker to travel from Turner to Phippsburg to hike Morse Mountain. While it is not a long hike by any means (4.5 miles round trip) it was long enough for us to talk along the way about the soldier we were honoring and reflect on the beauty that was around us (lady slippers, stone cliffs covered in moss and worn away by the dripping water). There was also a geocache found in the hollow of a tree root. The beauty of this hike is that it has the best of both worlds, a summit that overlooks the grasslands and coast and a trail that leads you to a beach that spans as far as the eye can see. The beach was windy and cold but we etched #MHANF in the sand and explained to passersby what the letters meant and what we were doing it. It was an honor.
The salty air reminded me of my childhood and brought back memories. I hope that in reading this letter, it brings back fond memories of Jeremiah. I lost a son years ago and there are unsuspecting times that the memories take my breath away. It is wonderful that Jeremiah will always be remembered through the Summit Project and at least annually you are reminded by a stranger of what a wonderful person he was.
This hike inspired me to grow, get more active and reflect on how lucky we all are because of the heroes that we honor and what they fought for. While I walked with the stone of Army SPC Jeremiah J. Holmes, I also carried a stone that I painted that has the initials of my relatives that served in the Navy. I’ll carry this stone on every hike that I take but will also never forget Army National Guard SGT Jeremiah J. Holmes.
With respect, Bonnie McLaughlin
My name is Robert Martel and on 9/25/2021 I had the honor to carry the stone and story of
Spc. Jerimiah J. Holmes. While reading and learning about him I realized he was the kind of person I always strive to be.
To his family and friends I would say it must have been awesome to have known him. I know I shared his story but could not come up with enough words to truly express how thankful I am for his service and sacrifice. I know we could have been good friends if I had met him. I really enjoy a good game of horseshoes. I have a horseshoe pit at home, do not have a pool, but I do have a hot tub (still has water ha ha).
The day of our hike, it was raining along with lightening. Unfortunately we were not allowed to hike up Cadillac, instead we did a hike to Echo Lake where we had our circle and shared the stories of our great heroes. This was my third TSP ANP hike and I am hooked for life. I love to hike and love to make sure we don’t forget those who have sacrificed it all. As they say, the stone choses you. I truly believe that. My first two hikes I carried the stones of two Marines. I was in the Marines as well. Then this year I was assigned Jeremiah’s stone. This hit home as I also served in the Army National Guard here in Maine. I was also in Iraq at the same timeframe. I had arrived in Iraq the 1st of March 2004 in Mosul. So this is my connection.
So from one veteran to another, I say thank you Jerimiah for your service and sacrifice. To the family, I am sorry for your loss and I thank you because the families of the service men/women serve as well. Jeremiah’s story will continued to be carried with me! Sincerely, Rob Martel
My name is Erickson Mills. I did the Summit Project with the JROTC at Nokomis High School. We hiked up Tumbledown Mountain in Welds, Maine. When we made it to the top of the mountain the wind was cold and really strong. We made a circle and told everyone things about the soldiers that lost their lives in war, then we hiked back down the mountain.
On 23 September 2023 I participated for the first time in the Summit Project (TSP). The idea is to carry a hero stone to the top of the mountain and share the story of the solider/sailor/marine who are from the State of Maine.
Even though I myself am a veteran I had no idea the impact of the TSP would have on me, and my fellow hikers. Everyone there was kind hearted, and genuine with their support of the program. A program not only set to honor those who lost their lives in the service of our country but to reenforce a true claim that our military members are not forgotten.
I walked into a large tent trimmed with photos of service members who have died. The photos covered the entire tent. At one end of the tent was a long table that was full of stones, stones engraved with names of all the hero’s that would be carried to the top of the mountain. A simple card with a brief description with a photo accompanied the stone. Every stone was chosen by the families, and carefully engraved with the name, rank, birth, and date of death.
I was chosen to carry the stone and share the story of SPC Jeremiah “Jay” Holmes from North Berwick, Maine (Posthumously promoted to SGT). In the weeks ahead I found various articles referencing SPC Holmes as well as his obituary. Though I know that these materials did not touch the life of Jay Holmes I was able to bring out a piece of who this hero was.
I learned that SPC Holmes served with the 744th Transportation Company with duties of driving trucks with supplies to support various units. He was operating in a convoy when his vehicle hit an IED and the explosion caused his truck to fall from a bridge in Iraq. He was a married 27-year-old and his only son was due to have his first birthday the following month.
Though his stone initially felt heavy, as I began to hike, I really felt it was becoming lighter. I thought about how the family picked a specific stone from their family herb garden. A garden which Jay, and family members gathered for cook outs and other events. It was near the pool that Jay spent many hours swimming in, and near where he and his grandfather Dick would work in the yard. When the little breeze came as we hiked further to the top I imagined Jay on his Harley, riding with “Knees in the breeze” as I recall his friend’s memory of riding along with him.
I thought a lot about his infant son who was not yet a year old, and who would never know his father. Thinking that the last moments of Jay’s life was likely about his son and wanting him to be a good boy, to be honest and kind, follow his dreams and grow to be a strong man. I thought his son Kaleb would wonder what his dad was like and learn about him from shared memories from family and photos taken throughout Jay’s life. It seemed Ironic to me to learn that Jay lost his mother at a very young age, and that now his son Kaleb had to grow up without him.
Jay’s maternal grandparents were given guardianship of him and raised him to be the man he became.
At various points as we ascended the mountain we would stop and take photos, almost like taking a photo with Jay there able to see the view that was in front of us. A feeling of not being alone out there seeing such a beautiful view around Acadia National Park. Finally at the top another photo of his stone at the summit, and then the circle of hero story sharing began. I shared the life of SGT Holmes, and the cause of his death, and spoke of the wife and son he left behind. The many family members who surrounded him throughout his life, the high school he attended and how much he enjoyed swimming and riding his motorcycle. He found a home too with the Army as he served a 5-year enlistment after high school and even continued his commitment to service by joining the NH National Guard after leaving active service. That continued dedication to serve brought him to Iraq and to that faithful day that took him from our earth and his loved ones. His death marked not just another service member’s passing but a man, husband to Kim and father to Kaleb.
In the hero stories I could see the attachment we all had, and how we would say “this is my solider/sailor/marine”. I had a new relationship and bond with my soldier SGT Holmes, and knew that every time I spoke of him or just uttered his name was a chance to remember him and to let his memory flow with the air one more time.
Thank you for the honor to say, and breathe his name on this journey up Cadillac Mountain for the TSP mission it was a success.
Spc Jeremiah J Holmes was my cousin now I wasn’t born by the time he lost his life. But I can see how it deeply affects some of my other family members. I read this comments and almost tear up all of you that carried that rock participated in something that is so much bigger then yourselves. Because of every single one of you his legacy will go on and he will never be forgotten. You guys didn’t just carry a rock you carried a story not a lot of soldiers get the opportunity to have their story told I thank all of you for being such kind genuine people. If it weren’t for the Summit Project or run for the fallen these people wouldn’t be getting the recognition they deserved.