Hector A. Acosta

My older brother Hector was a Vietnam War Vet. He was a paratrooper. He was proud of his service and yet suffered like many of his fellow soldiers from the legacy of PTSD and Agent Orange, but he kept 'marching on'.

He was always caring and helping others in spite of his inner pain. He was a model of true altruism. Always willing to step up to the plate for his fellow man/woman/child. He believed that 'standing for the flag' meant what the symbol implies: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (Humanity) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness".

When it came to service, he was there to help and not care about anyone's politics, race, religion or any other label. In today's world he 'stood for the flag' of Liberty, and a 'knee' for his service to others…

My brother, my fellow vet, my friend, my blood! You are now finally resting, but your legacy and love will continue to shine like that other 'single-star flag' that you always defended and stood for. You were born in a little paradise called Puerto Rico, but your heart belonged to the World. Till we meet again…