Memorial Day is 'everyday' for families of those killed

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) —  The family of Staff Sergeant Omar Flores is one of many across the Rio Grande Valley grieving the loss of their loved one on Memorial Day.

“I am very proud of him, and I miss him every day," said Omar's sister. "There is not a day that I don’t think of him."

Sgt. Flores was killed in Iraq in 2006 by an improvised explosive device (IED).

Nearly 20 years later, his family continues honoring his sacrifices and hopes to create a monument for families like theirs, as closure is something that cannot be achieved, but to honor their life is the best way to heal.

"It's almost 19 years since this happened, but for me, it feels like it was just yesterday," said Omar's mother. "We’re always remembering him in every moment. You don’t get over it — we carry him in our hearts."

Flores' mother remembers how she had to sign Omar’s paperwork for his acceptance into the U.S. Army when he was 17 years old.

His goal was to retire and become an ROTC teacher in the Rio Grande Valley to teach future cadets. However, all that changed in July of 2006 as he and others became victims of an IED in Iraq.

“It was the worst day of my life," Omar's sister said. "Something I haven’t, and the pain is something I can’t describe. It is something that I had never experienced before."

Since then, La Joya High School named its ROTC building in his honor. Flores also left behind two children, one of whom joined the Navy.

For the family, they feel like every day is Memorial Day for them, and they continue missing their loved one.

“I don’t think you ever find closure," the sister continued."It is something that you learn to live with every day of your life. It is an open wound, and it is always going to be there. You have it on the back of your mind and your heart.”

As they continue their mission, Flores' mom says people must always move forward.

"Focus on the family you have. If you have grandchildren, give them your love, and also to the rest of your loved ones. Life goes on, and we must move forward, always carrying them in our hearts," she said.

The Flores family, along with other gold star families, is raising money for a monument that will be built in Edinburg at the Museum of South Texas to honor their sacrifice as families.

Shirts have been made to help fund the monument and can be bought online or in store at the Green Beret McAllen, located at 2316 N 10th St.