Sergeant First Class Eric Emond

23 September 1979 – 27 November 2018

Seldom do we ever meet a man whose devotion to country and self-sacrifice become more important than life itself. Sergeant First Class Eric Michael Emond exemplifies this rare character. It was not by chance that Eric touched the lives of so many and has left an everlasting imprint of inspiration. Eric was a Marines’ Marine and the Special Forces Operator all others envied. While Eric’s service was cut short after an injury in 2009, his duty to country never ended.

While recovering at home in Boston in 2010, his calling became the memorialization of Massachusetts’ Fallen sons and daughters whom made the ultimate sacrifice in both Iraq and Afghanistan. As great a stride as Eric made in remembering our Gold Star Families and veterans in need within the commonwealth, it never fully satisfied his hunger for service to our nation. Battling his way through medical boards, he fought his way back to service of our nation. Soon enough he again donned his Green Green Beret and continued service with Special Forces, the best the U.S. Army has to offer.

In many instances, the traits Eric embraced are somewhat inconceivable. He was the Operator that raced toward gunfire yet had the compassion to embrace one of his brothers in need. The debt of gratitude owed to Eric and his family is immeasurable. Back home, Eric probably never envisioned when he started out to build and honor our fallen that he had ironically and unknowingly planned his own memorial. Vital in laying the foundation for Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, he will forever be remembered as our Cornerstone. Allison, Lucy, Ruby and Emilia, you are not alone. Eric left you a bigger family than you will ever know; you now have your family of 3rd Group Special Forces, Marine Corps Scout Snipers, Mass Fallen Heroes and all the Gold Star Families across our great nation. Though Eric may have physically left us, what he really left us is a nation, free and protected under an unwavering blanket of freedom, only possible by such sacrifice. After over a month of having Eric’s family and friends stalled in their grieving and healing process, he will finally be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. This delay was the very injustice Eric and his family had set out to reform. This weekend we will draw from the very playbook of honor that he and his family at Mass Fallen Heroes wrote. With great pomp and circumstance, we honor Eric today and everyday moving forward.

God Bless America

Semper Fidelis

De Oppresso Liber

We love you, Eric

You will never be forgotten