Honoring Heroes -- April 5, 2013
A Note from Congressman Carson
Dear Friend:
This week has been a poignant reminder about the heroes that have lived among us – those who inspired generations in the past and those who challenge us by their example today.
We gathered yesterday here in Indy to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a day that shook the American spirit and challenged our pursuit of equality and nonviolence. As we reflected on that great leader, we also paused to remember the historic call to peace that Senator Bobby Kennedy offered that night. We come together each year – in the very place Senator Kennedy spoke those words – because we recognize that the work is far from done. We know that we have a responsibility to continue striving for the peace of which Dr. King preached – the peace Senator Kennedy asked of us in the shadow of tragedy.
Also this week, Sgt. Tristan Wade, an Indy native who recently lost his life while serving in Afghanistan, was honored by family, friends and his community. Tristan was an extraordinary young man, full of integrity and an unwavering commitment to his nation. His commanding officer said of Tristan that "he gave his life to free the oppressed." It is leaders like Tristan that define this country, that make clear we must never settle for what we are, but rather relentlessly pursue that which we could be.
As we look back on heroes like Dr. King, Senator Kennedy, and Sgt. Wade, we must continue striving for a nation that honors their sacrifice – a nation worthy of their lives' work. I hope you'll join me in that pursuit.
Best,
André
The Inside Scoop
Bidding Farewell to an American Hero
Sgt. Tristan Mykal Wade | Indianapolis Star Obituary
23, of Indianapolis, died Friday, March 22, 2013 in Afghanistan while serving his country in the United States Army.
On December 23, 1989, Tristan was born to his parents Tisa and Daniel Wade, Jr. He was a 2009 graduate of Southport High School where he participated in many sports including football and volleyball. He was a member of the Army Volleyball team. He enjoyed practical jokes and dancing.
Tristan joined the United States Army while still in high school and had served in the Iraq War and in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Survivors include his mother, Tisa Wade; father, Daniel Wade, Jr., both of Indianapolis; wife, Alisha Morales of Las Cruces, New Mexico; daughter, Skylynn Marie Wade; brothers, Cory Alan Lee, Zachary Daniel Wade of Indianapolis and his fiancé, Victoria Lloyd; niece, Molly Diane Wade; maternal grandmother, Denise Webb all of Indianapolis; maternal grandfather, Gerald Lee, Sr. of Lodi, California; paternal grandmother, Betsy Brown and her husband Tommy; paternal grandfather, Daniel Lee Wade, Sr. and his wife Linda all of Indianapolis; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Preceding him in death is his brother, Adrian David Wade.
Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Southport High School in the Auditorium, 971 E. Banta Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46227. Calling will be on Friday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wilson St.Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Southport Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements. Visit https://www.WilsonStPierre.com to sign the guest book, share a personal message, and order flowers.
Kennedy's Historic Call to Peace
On April 4, 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy came to Indianapolis while campaigning for the presidency. While the Indianapolis rally was meant to be a celebration, Kennedy learned before taking the stage that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been shot and killed in Memphis. Kennedy shared the tragic news with the crowd and proceeded to offer a speech that is thought to have prevented the type of violence that erupted elsewhere around the country. View the full video below.