In a deeply personal mission, Michael Beach traveled the world in 2009 to honor six fallen veterans from Collinsville, Oklahoma, who died in World War I and II. On August 3, he shared his moving story during a ceremony at Meadowcreek United Methodist Church in Collinsville.
Beach visited American military cemeteries in Rome, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and other locations, placing rose rocks—Oklahoma’s state rock—on the graves of the fallen heroes.
“They deserve to rest with a piece of Oklahoma,” Beach said. “Being an Oklahoman, you’re just giving of yourself, and thinking of others before thinking of yourself.”
The rose rock, shaped like delicate petals, served as a symbolic reminder of home. Mike Henley, cousin of Joe Keith, a World War II casualty, expressed gratitude for Beach’s efforts:
“If other people had the opportunity to know about it, they would like to hear more from him and thank him for what he’s doing,” Henley said.
Despite the emotional and physical demands of his journey, Beach never considered quitting. “If they can do what they had to do for their nation and for other nations to have freedom… no, I cannot quit,” he said.
When asked about his emotions after completing the mission, Beach summed it up in one word: “Relief, anxiety—I mean, just everything.”
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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