Laura Margaret Walker

West Point, 2003

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Joe Kirwin on December 8, 2005:

I am writing this to express my deepest condolences to all those affected by the loss of 1LT Laura Walker. You do not know me and I did not know Ms. Walker. My family and I have been associated with West Point since 1957. My late father was a percussion player in the USMA Band for nearly 26 years and both my mother and sister worked at the Association of Graduates. I lived there for the first 17 years of my life. I first learned of Ms. Walker's passing in a recent editorial section of the Chicago Tribune. The paper periodically runs photos of all those brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in this war on terror. I was particularly taken by the photo of Ms. Walker, which was her senior picture from West Point. I am not sure what it was that made me take an extra long look at that picture which was no bigger than a thumbprint but something struck me. I guess it was her youthful, beaming smile. I then went online and read the eulogy page from the AOG website about Ms. Walker. I was impressed by her many accomplishments and genuine love of her family and life. I was also impressed to learn of the history her family has at West Point. The fact that I am a complete stranger should tell you how much of an impact Ms. Walker's sacrifice has on so many people. I am the father of two young girls and have often wondered if some day either of them will pursue a career in the military, perhaps even attend West Point. When they are older and start asking questions about the world, I will tell them the story of 1LT Laura Walker and the ultimate sacrifice that she made to protect the freedom of our nation. Thank you and God Bless Joe Kirwin Huntley, IL

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