In a Season of Remembrance, Here’s How I, as a Gold Star Brother, Honor Our Fallen on Memorial Day

As we celebrate our fallen heroes during Memorial Day, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for those who have and continue to serve in our military, who may be separated from their families, and especially for those who paid the ultimate price, giving their lives to protect the freedom of ours. My brother is one of the fallen, and I’d like to share with you how I choose to honor his life.

In 2011, my younger brother, Navy Hospitalman Riley Gallinger-Long, was killed in action in Afghanistan at only 19 years old. I remember that day, my knock at the door, when my mom and pastor arrived to tell me the news. At the time, I felt so far removed from the danger that he was facing each day. I thought a neighbor must be knocking to tell me I left my headlights on again, not that my brother was dead. Even then, I assumed he died from some natural cause or medical emergency; I couldn’t fathom that he’d been killed in action.

The next weeks were surreal, like I was watching someone else’s life through my eyes. We received his body at Dover, and then flew back home to Cornelius, Oregon where Riley’s body would meet us a day later. Riley had just graduated from high school the year prior and the disbelief and grief was palpable. The streets of our hometown were lined with flags, with our neighbors holding signs that thanked Riley for his service. Local and national press were calling our house, and I took the lead for our family - answering questions about Riley’s life, his service, his kindness, and bravery. It felt good to share his story, even amidst the deep loss I was living with each day.

In 2022, I found myself looking for something more, looking for a consistent, long-term way to honor my brother’s life and legacy. I connected with Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) through a Survivor Service Expedition, and found so much more. I not only found an opportunity to heal and grow alongside other survivors, but I also realized something that has been life changing - giving back through service also serves me more than I could have ever imagined.

This Memorial Day, I’ll be serving with TMF through #TheHonorProject, where volunteers will be standing in for loved ones at cemeteries nationwide to honor our fallen heroes. Alongside others who have a calling to serve, I will be placing commemorative tokens at the resting places of the fallen, and pausing to honor their service and sacrifice. You can learn more and get involved here: https://www.travismanion.org/events/the-honor-project/

I wear my brother’s dog tags everyday. My brother was a hospitalman, and his job was to help people, so it’s my honor to keep his legacy alive by helping others, and to be of service through TMF.