Naval Support Activity (NSA) Philadelphia hosted Purple Heart recipient and special guest speaker, retired Army Staff Sgt. Earl Granville, during a Memorial Day ceremony at a base auditorium, May 21.

“This is something much bigger than us,” said Granville. “[Memorial Day] is for those who aren't with us anymore, and that’s something we need to always remember and understand.”

Granville, a nine-year infantry veteran assigned to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, was wounded by a roadside bomb in 2008 while on patrol in Afghanistan resulting in the amputation of his leg left. The attack also killed two of his comrades. Tragically, Granville also lost his twin brother Joe – a fellow military member – to suicide.

“We should never forget what they’ve sacrificed and what they endured, as well as their families,” added Granville. “I am so grateful just to be here and be a part of something like this.”

Granville’s recovery was punctuated initially with “bad choices,” but he pressed forward as a marathon runner, snow boarder and sled hockey enthusiast.

“It was an honor to participate in a ceremony that recognizes those who gave their lives so we as Americans can continue to live free,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Steven Palmer, a member of the ceremony’s flag detail. “Remembering them is not only the responsibility of service members past and present, but all the people of the United States.”

The last Monday of May is designated as Memorial Day. Americans are encouraged to dedicate a moment of silence, wherever they are, for one minute at 3 p.m. local time to remember those who sacrificed their lives in service to our nation.

NSA Philadelphia’s mission is to provide an operationally ready, secure shore infrastructure committed to the quality of life to military members, civilian staffs and the community.

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