A Public Tribute On Veterans Day

This is a story about 3 Veterans and the incredible Lady behind them. Her name is Annie Murphy. Annie lives in the hamlet of Blauvelt in Orangetown, Rockland County, New York. Annie lives with proud memories she is sharing on this Veterans Day.

Annie was very happily married for many years to John P. Murphy who joined the Army during the Korean War Era. His first proud duty assignment, for which he volunteered, was as a “Tomb Guard Sentinel” of the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier in the Arlington National Cemetary before going to the war front, where he earned a Purple Heart. Upon his Honorable Discharge, John joined the NYPD, where he served us again for 26 years, and many years spent in the Korean War Veterans organization.

John and Annie’s first born son was named John after his Dad and went on to serve a 3 year tour of duty in the Marine Corps.

Their second son was named Michael and when he graduated from College received a Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Aviation Wing of the Marine Corps.

I met Michael when he flew President Clinton in the MARINE ONE President’s helicopter to the IBM Palisades Conference Center when he made his only visit to Rockland in the late 90’s.

I was invited to be in the welcoming committee as a Rockland County Legislator. After greeting the President, I wandered over to the MARINE ONE helicopter and asked the Marine Corps Officer standing guard if I ,as a former Marine Corps Officer in the 2nd Marine Air Wing, might check out the helicopter.

After a very brief conversation about being Marines and my sharing his Dad’s name and he having grown up In Blauvelt, Michael denied my request and only let me peek though the cabin door.

The next time I heard of the now Lt. Colonel Michael Murphy was in December 2000, when he lost his life, with his crew of 3, test piloting the very controversial V-22 OSPREY tilt rotor aircraft, which is now the Marine Corps’ most valued aircraft in its fleet.

Through all of this, Annie has stood tall with inspirational dignity, grace, pride and devotion to our nation and all its military members who serve honorably in both peace and war. Annie has brought comfort and support to many other wives and husbands who lost their loved ones in the service of our Country. And I might add she has never lost that twinkle in her eyes and that gift of Irish humor.

So we should honor all our Veterans and their Mothers, they too paid the ultimate sacrifice.