Alabama family remembers Marine killed in 2010

Yahoo

27-05-2025

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) — Gold Star families were honored around Alabama on Memorial Day.
In Montevallo, thousands gathered at the Alabama National Cemetery to lay wreaths and pay respects to those who sacrificed all for the country.
'Oh my gosh, he and his friends,' said Charon Rivers about Thomas Rivers, her late son. 'He had so many friends. He was a character. A very loyal friend.'
Charon Rivers could talk about Thomas Rivers for hours. He was a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.
Charon Rivers was honored with a wreath laying on behalf of all Gold Star mothers.
'It means a lot that people would come and put flowers and coins,' Charon Rivers said. 'I know his friends haven't forgotten him. We get texts, and we get emails. It means so much.'
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After that ceremony, a more private remembrance was held at Thomas Rivers' grave. His mother and members of the Lance Corporal Rivers Memorial VFW Post 12185 in Alabaster attended it.
'That's one way we knew Thomas would never be forgotten, so our post comes out here every year to honor Thomas for our namesake,' said Danny Sample, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Alabama District 3 commander.
For Charon Rivers, Memorial Day is a painful reminder of what she's lost, but it's also a chance to see firsthand how her sons sacrifice will never be forgotten.
'I really hope people know what Memorial Day is about,' Charon Rivers said. 'It means a lot that they remember him. That's the main thing. Memorial Day is remembering those that were killed while doing battle, and it's a hard day, but yet it's peaceful to know that this community, this cemetery, our friends and family remember him and do these things.'
Charon Rivers said the best way to honor those who are buried here at the cemetery is to remember them not just on Memorial Day but every day.
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