LOCKPORT—Fire engine horns are certain to blare and police squad car sirens are sure to scream in this year’s Memorial Day parade in Lockport. Yet, there will be one noticeable difference as the parade steps off. For the first time, the Patriquin family intends to participate. The real meaning of Memorial Day was brought home to them this winter when their son, Capt. Travis Patriquin, 32, died Dec. 6, 2006, while serving in Iraq. Gary and Connie Patriquin said they plan on being part of the parade to honor their son as well as all soldiers and the families they leave behind.

Connie commented, “Some of the things that we forget are that every soldier that has died has a name. They have a mother, a father, brothers and sisters. And I think that a parade represents the people that are left as well as a name that goes along with the ones that have died.”

The Patriquin family invited the Catholic Explorer into their Lockport home May 18. Gary, Connie and one of their other sons, 29-year-old Daniel, sat in cozy living room filled with memorabilia from the 14-year military career of their oldest boy. Several poster-sized photographs of their deceased son were positioned behind a mountain of material containing pieces of correspondence honoring their fallen soldier. Sympathy cards and documents pertaining to Travis’ distinguished career came from family, friends, military officers and lawmakers to name a few.

But pictures of the special operations soldier, who earned a Bronze Star in Afghanistan and another in Iraq, were not the ones that saddened Travis’ parents. Gary’s eyes filled with tears as he described the photos of the young boy he raised, while Connie’s voice cracked discussing her deep sorrow for Travis’ three fatherless children. His wife, Amy, is now raising 9-year-old Emily, 6-year-old Harmon and Logan, 1, alone.

Speaking from his perspective as a sibling, Daniel discussed how his brother “loved everything he did” in life. He shared how Travis enjoyed delving deeply into his studies, which in turn deepened the soldier’s faith. Travis received a good spiritual foundation while attending elementary school at St. Dennis in Lockport, but it wasn’t fully developed until he pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He studied other cultures and religions while learning to speak several languages, including Spanish, Arabic and several Central American Indian dialects.

Daniel acknowledged that his own Catholic faith has been an anchor in this grieving process. He said, “It definitely helps you get through the rough days … knowing there’s someone you can always talk to.”

Pointing out pictures of Travis with his Iraqi friends, the grieving parents knew family and friendship were important to Travis. He had only missed three family Christmas celebrations during his 14 years of military service that deployed him to such places as South America and Afghanistan. As evidence of the friendship that Travis built with others while serving the country, Gary pointed out that Travis was adopted by an Iraqi tribe.

“He had a servant’s heart and an ethic of unconditional service,” commented Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn during a telephone conversation with the Catholic Explorer. The state leader acknowledged that he didn’t have the honor of knowing Patriquin in his earthly life, but still applauded the soldier’s deeds. He complimented the Arabic-speaking soldier for befriending the men, women and children he protected in Iraq.

Quinn recalled attending a memorial service for the fallen soldier Jan. 6, 2007, at St. Dennis Parish. Since entering the office of lieutenant governor in 2003, he has represented the people of Illinois at many of the funeral services for the 164 soldiers from Illinois that have been killed in action since Sept. 11, 2001. “These are men and women that love this country more than themselves,” said Quinn.

He spoke in awe of the sacrifice that service men and women make for the country and offered some comfort to those who are grieving. Quinn reflected, “Our faith teaches us, those who are Catholic and non-Catholic, we will see them again.” The politician, who attends St. Giles Church in Oak Park and Old St. Mary’s Church in Chicago, continued, “Faith is all we have to hold on to.”

In 2003, Quinn returned to his elementary school, St. Isaac Jogues School in Hinsdale, to dedicate a plaque in honor of a fellow classmate, Lance Cpl. Lester Webber, who died in 1969 in Vietnam. He commented, “It’s bearing witness when a hero passes.”

Quinn, who supports many initiatives to assist Gold Star families, said his 92-year-old father’s generation has taught him “we should stand up when these heroes pass.”

Only eight months after their own loved one has passed, the Patriquin family is moving to assist those who have also made sacrifices on behalf of the country. They are organizing Heroes

Run to benefit the Patriquin children and other children of fallen soldiers. The 5K run/2K walk is slated to be held July 28 in Lockport.