“I make it a point each year to watch the Memorial Day concert. This year's concert was particularly moving for me. The story of Taryn Davis and her "Band of Sisters" really brought home the reality of war casualties who are so often forgotten. I do not like war, but I admire and appreciate those who make the decision to serve our country. Thank you to our vets, our current service personnel, and all the families who support them, especially those who, all too frequently, experience the loss of their loved one.”

Sally S.
FL

The Concert

2012 Features

Losing My Hero

The war in Afghanistan is America’s second longest military conflict, after Vietnam. Many of the 2,000 U.S. troops that have been killed since the war began, were married. War widows, like Brigette Cain, never forget their fallen heroes, but with love and support from friends and family, they find the strength to rebuild their lives and dreams.

Brigette Cain’s Story

Private First Class Norman Cain and his wife, Brigette, welcomed their son’s birth shortly before he deployed to Afghanistan. When Norman was killed in combat at the age of 22, Brigette became a widow, and their plans for the future were cut short.

Brigette’s tribute to her husband was submitted to our website, prompting us to learn more about her story, which is both harrowing and inspirational.

We encourage you to visit our Virtual Wall of Remembrance and share your tributes to your fallen heroes.

Photos courtesy of Brigette Cain. Several photos were taken by “The Northwest Herald.”

During the 2012 National Memorial Day Concert, acclaimed actress Selma Blair will read Brigette Cain’s story.

Our Young Military Widows

There are thousands of military widows from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq who share a similar experience to Brigette Cain. Many organizations are dedicated to supporting grieving military spouses, including the American Widow Project. This nonprofit organization was founded by military widow, Taryn Davis, who was honored on the 2010 “National Memorial Day Concert” for her extraordinary efforts to support military widows across America.

Here are some other organizations that offer assistance:

Gold Star Wives of America

The Soldiers Project

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

Visit the Healing and Support section of our website to learn more about how to cope with losing a loved one, or to help grieving families.