Todd Jason Bryant

West Point, 2002

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Margaret and Richard Simonson on November 4, 2003:

Our deapest sympathies to you in the loss of Todd. Our son is also a 2002 graduate, stationed at Ft. Riley and is in Baghdad. His wife is also a 2002 graduate and is at Ft. Riley. If you would allow me, let me share something I wrote for Ryan when he graduated and perhaps you can share it with your memories of Todd. "They came to this place as sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandsons and granddaughters. They were here because they asked more of themselves than most. They stood together, yet alone. Not knowing what their destiny was, not knowing if the could meet the challenge of the many who had gone before them. They could not imagine what lay ahead. A time when they had been called to this place, for reasons for some still unclear,we stood with them, ourselves unsure. Knowing that this time, this place, would never be forgotten. Could we ask of them that which few would ever ask of their loved ones? Ours is a son. We stood with him at that time, at that place, knowing the ultimate sacrifice he could make. He was young and full of life. He was part of us, like no other could be. He was ours and we had to let him go. And we did. They came back, to this place, at a time that has forever changed them. Still sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandsons and granddaughters. They are here now because they have answered the call to ask more of themselves. Questions have been answered. The unsure, now steady. The unclear, now focused. They stand alone, yet together. They bring forth pride so strong it is forever etched in our hearts, the remembrance of this time and of this place. He still stands before us as a son; but now there is more to him, and more to us". I know you will carry Todd's memory forever. Richard Simonson

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