One of the people I had the pleasure of “meeting” while writing the book, “Died on the Fourth of July,” was Mary Clark, a Gold
Star Mother whose son, Marine PFC Michael Hopkins, was killed in action in
Vietnam on July 4, 1966. For his heroism that day Michael was awarded the Navy
Cross, a recognition second only to the Medal of Honor.
I just learned that Mary passed away earlier this
month at the age of 89. She died on Veterans Day.
Mary was well known in Norfolk, Virginia, for decorating her son’s grave every year on the Fourth of July, and then
taking cookies to patients in the local VA Hospital. This past July was the 50th
anniversary of her son’s death. I knew Mary was in failing health, and I was
concerned that she might not have a way of getting to the cemetery. I contacted
David Hord, Commandant of the local Marine Corps League to ask his help. In
true Semper Fi fashion he replied, “The Marines have landed. All is well.”
Mr. Hord and his comrades saw to it that Mary and
her son were properly honored on the Fourth of July, and that she was able to
go to the cemetery. The newspaper article here http://tinyurl.com/jbdv67g tells of their kindness to Mary
that day. It
was Mr. Hord who contacted me to let me know Mary had passed away. When asked why he showed such kindness to a stranger, Mr. Hord said, “You’re honor-bound. You need to do this.”
I never met Mary in person but talked to her on
the phone many times. She would always call me on holidays to wish me and my
wife well. Mary had a delightful British accent. She grew up in England, served
in the Royal Air Force during WWII, and married an American soldier, Michael’s
father.
I’m sure it was a joyful reunion at the pearly
gates when Mary was reunited with her son. Here is a link to Mary's obituary http://tinyurl.com/gw84v39
