Teen Pays Tribute To Fallen Marines With Hand Designed Prom Dress - Let's Give Her Our Blessings

May 08, 2019 by apost team

Prom is one of the most important rights of passage for anyone before they graduate from high school. Whether you choose to go with your special someone or with a group of friends, prom is the one night of the year where high schoolers can reflect on the last four years of their life and enjoy the company of their longtime companions.

Also on the mind of many a teen is what they will wear on the big night. While some think of prom as the biggest fashion show of the year, one teenage girl in Rochelle, Illinois wanted her dress to honor members of our nation’s military.

Aubrey Headon, a student at Rochelle Township High School, was humbled by the story of 25 Marines who gave their lives to defend our nation in Afghanistan. The men served in the 3rd Battalion of the 5th Marines, who are known as the Darkhorse Battalion.

Between September of 2010 and April of 2011, the Darkhorse Battalion was stationed in the Sangin District of Helmand Province, a very volatile area of the country, and tragically lost 25 of their number in several firefights.

Aubrey heard of what happened to the Darkhorse Battalion from Gretchen Catherwood, whose son was one of the 25 who died during the unit’s deployment. Since she lost her son, Mrs. Catherwood has formed the Darkhorse Lodge, which she uses to assist veterans of the War on Terror.

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Aubrey knew that she had to find a special way to honor the sacrifice of the Marines of the Darkhorse Battalion. Over the course of two years, Aubrey designed a blue prom dress that was adorned with 25 ribbons to honor the 25 members of the Darkhorse Battalion that fell in Afghanistan.

Each ribbon has the name of the one of the fallen Marines. Aubrey added another ribbon for her friend, national guardsman Tyler Smith, who died in a drowning incident last year.

News of Aubrey’s dress has made her a viral hit on Facebook. Speaking with reporters, the teary-eyed Aubrey says that it is important to honor our nation’s heroes so that their deeds are remembered forever.

While hundreds of people have applauded Aubrey’s work, the teen says that the best comments she receives come from Gold Star families, who express their gratitude for everything that she has done to honor their loved ones.

What do you think of Aubrey’s dress? Is there anything that you do to express your gratitude to your community’s veterans? Let us know in the comments and pass this inspirational story along to your friends and family.