Montgomery Commission on Veterans Affairs Honors Fallen Hometown Heroes from Military Action Dating to World War I with Online Tributes as Memorial Day Approaches

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs is honoring “Fallen Hometown Heroes” with Montgomery County connections on a website created by the commission. The tribute is especially notable as the County prepares to commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 27.

The website honors veterans who were killed in action in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism (including Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Inherent Resolve / Operation Freedom's Sentinel / Operation New Dawn). The website includes photos and military histories of those who lived in Montgomery County and were killed in action. The site can be viewed at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fallenheroes.

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to our local heroes, as well as all service members, who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our nation,” said Michael Wilson, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who currently chairs the County Commission on Veterans Affairs. “I encourage residents to visit the County’s Fallen Hometown Heroes website and learn more about these heroes dating back to World War I and as recent as the Global War on Terrorism. Their sacrifices will always be remembered and honored.”

In 2023, a plaque was unveiled at the Rockville Memorial Library recognizing the name change from the original Rockville Library. The name change was instituted in 2010 at the request of Gold Star families—those who have lost a family member in U.S. military conflicts—and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs. The plaque is in the first-floor lobby, next to a digital display honoring the County's Fallen Hometown Heroes. The Fallen Hometown Heroes digital display honors residents killed in action dating to World War I.

“Memorial Day is a special day for honoring the men and women who lost their lives while defending our nation,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We recognize the sacrifice they and their families have made—and we will never forget. I urge every resident to take a moment to reflect on our local heroes and learn more about their courageous stories through this website.”

To share the story of a friend or family member who was killed in action, complete a Google form or a PDF form. Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Servicemember’s name
• Name of person submitting information and relationship to the individual
• Branch of service and rank
• Years of service
• Era served (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Global War on Terror or peacetime/other)
• Brief narrative about their service
• Connection to Montgomery County (where the individual currently lived, attended high school or college/university, etc.)
• Photos (preferably one during their service and one in their civilian life)

Email [email protected] to learn more about the tribute program.

Visit the Commission on Veterans Affairs website for more information about their work.

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Release ID: 24-230
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915
Categories: Holiday