Anymore, titles get tossed around and inaccurately attributed so often, that these words begin to lose their true meaning. The two words I’m referring to specifically, are “hero” and “legend”. We call athletes, musicians, actors and actresses heroes and legends…but why? Don’t get me wrong—there are many who are well-deserving of these titles, for what they do on and off the field, court, screen or stage, personifies these titles. But if we equate heroes and legends with achievements on the job, then there are no truer heroes and legends than our soldiers.
We’re up to our ears in two wars right now. Regardless of how you feel about them, we can all agree on one thing: we support our troops. We’re thankful for what they do. Because, let’s talk real—most of us are simply not built for war. And that’s nothing to be ashamed of. It takes a special kind of human being to commit themselves to harm’s way, to put their life on the line, to defend our country, to protect the citizens trapped in a warzone…all just to carry out their duty.
Yesterday was Memorial Day, and I’d like to take a moment to remember one of the truest heroes and legends this world has ever known: the late, great Captain Brandon Barrett.
Capt. Barrett was a selfless leader and decorated soldier. The words spoken and stories of his courage and dedication to protecting his men, told by those he trained and served with in the Navy and the Marines, is a never-ending testament to that. On top of that, Brandon was a great man, truly loved, respected and admired by everyone who ever met him—and this was truly evident in Marion, Indiana on May 15th.
On May 5th, I got home from work, and got on Facebook. I saw a status update in my news feed indicating that we’d lost Brandon. I checked his profile, and it was confirmed, through recent posts on his wall. Word started spreading virally. More R.I.P. status updates and wall posts. Text messages. BBM.
I’ve known the power of social networks for a good while now. I was part of the initial phase, before it became a craze. You hear about the power of how it can be used to start a movement, to promote a cause, or to send a strong message. I participated in the one to help get Barack Obama elected. It’s amazing to be a part of something like that. But, never before have I seen it used in a more noble fashion, to honor an even more noble person. Talking with friends after Brandon’s funeral, we learned that many of us found out about Brandon’s passing through Facebook. His profile wall transitioned to an extensive memorial—an outpouring of love, memories, old pictures, and not goodbyes—rather, see you agains. My buddy Pete put together a heartfelt slideshow of pictures Brandon’s mother had given him to music, and posted it on Facebook so everybody could see it, and visually remember our fallen hero. It was so amazingly done, that it was extended and played at the funeral. The Marion Police Department used Facebook to communicate their condolences to Brandon’s family and friends, as well as provide the community with the details of the procession on the day he arrived back home in Marion, and the procession from Marion High School to Gardens of Memory, the day of the funeral. During this procession, our hometown came to a standstill, with its citizens lining the streets to honor Brandon as he was led to be laid to rest. An iconic image that will forever be branded in our hearts and minds was uploaded to Facebook during the procession:
It’s important to note that Brandon could’ve been buried at Arlington National Cemetery, but he chose to be buried at home. Words simply cannot convey the honor in his decision.
In our industry, we’re beaten over the head with talk of the power of social networks, as relates to brands, branding, and engagement, but this is the true power of social networks. Facebook became a way for those whose hearts were touched by Brandon—his family, friends, and the soldiers he served with and led fearlessly—to mourn together, and collectively bid farewell to our friend. Brandon is buried very close to my grandmother, godfather, and great-aunt, so I will see him when I come home and visit them. And you know what? We’ll all see him and feel his spirit every day. Because as “The Babe” told Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez: “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” And that’s what Captain Brandon Barrett was and always will be—a hero, and a legend. And for that, we can never thank you enough, Brandon. Until the next time, my friend…
Tony Balasandiran | New Media Specialist
Capt. Brandon Aaron Barrett | January 21, 1983 – May 5, 2010
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