Military group honors two Texas brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice
GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two brothers who dedicated their lives to serving this country were honored at the Galveston VFW Saturday by an organization devoted to remembering fallen soldiers.
"Honor and Remember" said its mission is to recognize the sacrifice of America's military. The group wants Congress to adopt a national remembrance flag. They travel the country, presenting personalized flags to families who have lost those who've made the ultimate sacrifice.
Specialist Robert Arsiaga and his younger brother, Sergeant Jeremy Arsiaga, did just that.
Robert was in the U.S. Army when he was killed in combat on April 4, 2004 in Sadr City, Iraq. He was 25 years old.
Jeremy died 11 years later on September 4, 2015 after struggling with PTSD and depression. He was 31 years old and took his life two days before his 32nd birthday.
Fallen service members honored across Houston area
The brothers grew up in Midland, Texas, but their mother, Sylvia Macias, moved to Galveston one year ago.
Macias was presented with two Honor and Remember flags, one bearing Jeremy's name, the other with Robert's name.
"The ceremony was very intimate and somewhat bittersweet. It hurts to see both of my brothers' names on those flags, but it's amazing we have organizations like Honor and Remember and the VFW that do things like this to keep the memory of our loved ones alive," said Gilbert Arsiaga Jr. Gilbert was the middle of the three brothers.
ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz profiled Robert Arsiaga in her 2007 book, "The Long Road Home," when the First Calvary Division came under surprise attack in Sadr City. The brutal 48-hour battle has become known as "Bloody Sunday."
National Geographic is turning Raddatz's book into a miniseries. It's scheduled to premiere this fall. Actor Ian Quinlan will play Robert Arsiaga.
If you would like to memorialize a soldier with the Honor and Remember flag, you can donate and learn more about the process here on their website, www.honorandremember.org.
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