A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.
Today we remember the heroes of 9/11. Men and women who put their lives on the line for others. Firemen who rushed into the burning Twin Towers to save lives. A Catholic priest who was praying for and helping others at Ground Zero. And Todd Beamer and several other courageous passengers who fought hijackers on United Airlines Flight 93. All of these heroes, and more, died on 9/11 while trying to help others.
Today we also want to remember the life of another American hero: Army Spc. Eric Burri, who joined the military after 9/11 to protect our country. Sadly, after two deployments, Eric died while defending our freedom. But Eric’s heroic service is about more than laying down his life for others. Eric’s inspiring story is also about his parents and a community coming together to help the children of Iraq—to continue Eric’s legacy.
Here’s a glimpse into Eric’s story:
“Dad, I’m not afraid to die.”
Eric’s picture rests between two angel figurines. Another tiny photo of Eric with a small American flag hangs from the center of the kitchen curtain rod. His dad remembers when Eric announced with a smile, “Dad, I did it. I joined.” The next day he graduated from high school.
“The military taught Eric a lot,” said his dad. “Eric started understanding that life wasn’t just about him; it was about others too.” While deployed to Iraq, a letter came from a changing Eric who said the Iraqi children didn’t have shoes. Eric wrote, “Mom, if I could, I would give them the shoes off my feet.”
His father continued, “In May of 2005, Eric came home for a short visit and took his sweetheart shopping to look at diamond rings. He only had five more months left to serve in Iraq.” A few weeks later on Tuesday, June 7, a roadside bomb exploded in Baghdad and killed Eric.
“To honor Eric’s love for the Iraqi children, we collected thousands of shoes and sent them to Iraq,” said his dad as he wiped away a tear. At twenty-one years old, while living life to the full, Eric gave the ultimate sacrifice: his life.
Eric’s life is being celebrated during ArtPrize Seven at an art installation called Hometown Hero. The work first and foremost honors the life of Army Spc. Eric Burri. But the work also serves another purpose.
Hometown Hero invites ArtPrize visitors to add the name of their own heroes to the 24 x 6-foot painting. This interactive art installation remembers the heroes of 9/11 as well as all the other heroes who have touched our lives.
Learn more about Hometown Hero and watch Eric Burri’s Story…
Many of you would like to help support the Hometown Hero art installation. You can make your donations at YouCaring to support the project. Thank you.
