Watch CBS News

At Brockton Remembrance, One Soldier Was Missing

BROCKTON (CBS) - Throughout the years, several hundred Brockton men and women have given their lives in defense of our country.

And as they gathered at Brockton City Hall on this Memorial Day, there were soldiers, and politicians. But one soldier was missing--22-year-old Army Ranger Etienne Murphy, who died in Syria last week.

Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter spoke of the need to remember the sacrifice.

"That should remain a reminder to all of us of the price that has been paid over-and-over-and-over so that we can assemble here in freedom today," Carpenter said.

Murphy's grandmother Aretha Murphy says her grandson wanted nothing more than to serve his country.

aretha-murphy
Aretha Murphy, Etienne Murphy's grandmother who said "I am not ready to say he's gone." (Photo credit: WBZ-TV)

"He stole the show. He was good," the grandmother said. "And he loved his guys, all his soldiers. He got along very well with people."

So as they remembered the soldiers who gave their lives, in Brockton they remembered one more...Etienne Murphy.

"I'm not really there yet, to say he's gone," Aretha Murphy said.

bugler
The bugler at Brockton's Memorial Day commemoration. (Photo credit: WBZ-TV)

As they fired the salute and played taps, the memorial came to an end.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.