Magical Moment 428, "Happy Birthday"

Today is the birthday of my friend, Kevin Gaspers. I've mentioned him several times before:

He was my friend and fellow soldier. We went through college and ROTC together, then were both stationed at Fort Bragg. I have many fond memories of school, dancing, we even had the same birthday. :) So it's easy for me to remember him. Not that I could ever forget. He was killed in Iraq on April 23, 2007.

My Grandma Valencia wrote this poem in his honor. It brings a tear to my eye each time I read it. He would be 30 today. Happy birthday, Kevin. We will never forget.

"1LT Kevin Gaspers"

By Mary M. Valencia 4/25/2007

Have you named your star in heaven?

There’s one there close to us for Kevin.

Look! Up above, the first star of the night,

this clear night reveals the multitude, so bright.

‘Twas once a twinkle in an eye,

groomed, then zoomed to heights, the sky.

Never a stranger to the world below,

we knew this young man, our friend, to grow.

Bless you, Kevin, made of brave Christian soldier’s glory,

who with many others write this story.

There’s glory there way beyond measure,

Red, White and Blue is our Nation’s treasure.

Rest serenely in thy peace,

Eternity’s love ne’er to cease.

Comments

laughwithusblog said…

Happy Birthday to you! What a beautiful tribute to your friend and fellow soldier.

April 8, 2011 at 6:03 PM

Rick said…

What a great tribute to someone who undoubtedly was a great person - not in the way the world sees 'great' but through his selfless sacrifice to make this place just a little bit better !

April 8, 2011 at 10:38 PM

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said…

Happy birthday to you, Elizabeth; and a big thank you for sharing your memories of Kevin. It's important that none of us forget, even those of us who never knew him personally. He represents so many others.

April 8, 2011 at 11:36 PM

Hilary said…

This is so sad. It's quite lovely though, that each birthday (at least) will be a day to remember your friend. Lovely tribute, and a very happy, though belated birthday to you.

April 10, 2011 at 9:29 AM

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