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It was a beautiful afternoon in Norwood, MA this last Saturday. We showed up at Town Hall and KvH set up her camera in the Memorial Hall that honors Norwood citizens who have served and fallen in every war since before the Revolution. It was very moving to see the ages of those who died, so many as very young men and to know how proud their town is of all who served.
We met Helen Tilgner and we were so moved by her story and by her courage and humility. Her sons are serving our country with distinction and both used their leave to attend this ceremony before deploying back overseas on Sunday. Observing their strength of character and impressive bearing made me proud to know they are representing us. It was pointed out that their grandfather's heroism is "in their blood" and that was evident. What was also clear was that it is very much in Helen Tilgner's blood, too. To have persisted against all odds for so long in her quest to locate and honor her father's remains and then to gather and preserve his heritage for her sons required exceptional fortitude and determination. Her heroism lives up to her father's example.
Senator Kerry was clearly as moved and impressed as we were by the Tilgner family. He offered his tribute to Armit's incredible record, and to the family who match him in honor and service, with modesty, sincerity and understanding. He spoke of the closure that is often denied the families of troops who are missing and the pain of not knowing their fate. He spoke as a Vietnam veteran who knew the full danger of Armit Tilgner's outstanding achievement at the height of the war and as a senator who has always stood by Massachusetts military families and those who serve. Helen Tilgner told us how deeply compassionate and helpful the Senator and his staff have been to her whenever she asked them for help during her mission of many years, and that made his statement that it was not a duty but a privilege to present these medals to her family all the more touching. We are so proud to have been able to meet the Tilgners and to have witnessed this wonderful occasion!