I just found this memorial web site and the memoir post by Tommy’s brother, William brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so kindly for sharing your cherished memories. I am 55 yrs old now and have never forgotten Tommy, thus I feel compelled to share some memories of Tommy from childhood:
As a child (up til I turned 5 yrs old, the age I was when Tommy gave his life for our country), my family lived next door on Willow Drive. Tommy was the very first person I knew who died and went to Heaven. Tommy was always such a big hero to me for defending his country so all of us could be safe and free- something I never forgot. To this day, I always remember Tommy and his bravery whenever someone I know passes away, or whenever I encounter a vet or service member.
I will never forget the lovely Firth home encircled by an exquisite yard (which my older sister, Mary Anne, and I were generously permitted to roam and play in)- a yard with great climbing trees, a fairy tale-like gazebo (which was referred to as “the summer house”) elegant, fragrant roses and other colorful flowers- and oh-so wondrous to our childhood eyes- Tommy’s beautful horse, Ginger!
Often, Tommy let Mary Anne and I pet, feed & play with Ginger- which was a big deal and very exciting to us as kids. We felt like we had a real corral and cowboy right next door, something we otherwise only saw on the western-themed TV shows of the era. Thoughts of my childhood always have been and always will be indelibly stamped with memories of Tommy- the awe-inspiring hero with his treasured horse who lived next door to us on Willow Drive. I couldn’t ever possibly thank the Firth family enough for all the childhood play in that glorious yard, and most importantly for sacrifices made by your family while William and Tommy so courageously and selflessly served our country. Rest in eternal peace, Tommy. Thank you for your duty, valor and honor in paying the ultimate price in securing liberty for all….and for adding such blissful happiness and a sense of adventure to the long ago childhood of the two little girls who lived next door.