July 16, 2015, is a date few Chattanoogans will forget. The horror of that day still resonates in our memories and will for some time. That’s the way it should be. Our country was attacked right here in my hometown, and four Marines and one Sailor lost their lives in the line of duty.
We know the names by heart: Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan. Sgt. Carson Holmquist. Lance Cpl. Squire “Skip” Wells. Staff Sgt. David Wyatt. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith.
These five men served us proudly and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. They were young men, each with a bright future ahead. They leave behind families searching for answers, for comfort and for the strength to forge ahead without their loved one.
I know I speak for us all when I say to the families, “Anything – anything – we can do to help, we will.”
That sentiment has echoed around Chattanooga for the past month. Immediately following the attack, we were overwhelmed with people who wanted to do something for the families. The patriotism in our area cannot be understated. While few of us had the pleasure of meeting these five heroes, the raw feeling of loss was evident on the faces and in the voices of citizens everywhere. While no one can truly understand what these families are going through, Chattanoogans know that part of our duty as Americans is to bear some of the pain alongside those who suffer and to offer any assistance we can.