Three Years: Remembering LCpl Travis Nelson

August 18, 2014

Today marks the three year anniversary of the death of local Cpl. Travis M. Nelson. LCpl. Nelson gave all on the battlefields of Afghanistan on August 18, 2011.

A world was shattered at the Nelson home in Bratt as three men in military uniforms stood at the door. “I just screamed and said no,” Beckie Nelson of Bratt said shortly after she learned that her son, LCpl Travis Nelson, was shot and killed while conducting combat operations in in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  “I just went to my knees and said don’t let them come  in. I knew right away that he was gone.”

It was a tragedy that began a wave an emotions and events that touched the entire North Escambia area and a nation. The community grieved as hundreds if not thousands changed their Facebook profile pictures to a single image in honor of Nelson.  Tears flowed as powerful photos were published that showed an honor guard removing Nelson’s flag-draped coffin from a plane at Dover AFB in Delaware.

The rain poured down at Pensacola Naval Air Station a few days later as the final leg of Nelson’s journey home began. The rain did not send them running; they stood silently — many holding American flags — as the hearse carrying an American hero departed on a 55-mile journey to Atmore. Along the way, some of Pensacola’s busiest roadways came to a complete standstill as the motorcade passed. Many motorists stood outside their vehicles and paid their respects. In Walnut Hill, just a few miles from Nelson’s boyhood home in Bratt, the motorcade slowed as it approached Ernest Ward Middle School. Nelson was Golden Eagle, attending Ernest Ward in the sixth and seventh grades.

Hundreds of Ernest Ward Middle School students and teachers dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97, American flags in hand, waiting for the arrival of the motorcade.

As the procession passed, the students stood with their hands over their hearts, waving Old Glory. The thunder of 127 Patriot Guard motorcycle riders vibrated the ground and echoed across the country fields near the school.

Six Florida Highway Patrol trooper vehicles led the hearse past the school. Many students broke down in tears at the sight of a flag draped coffin. Others cried as they made eye contact with Nelson’s parents and their daughter  — a sixth grader at Ernest Ward.

The motorcade continued into Atmore, where crowds stood along the route, waving Old Glory. At a local bank on Highway 31, people stood with large flags as the Northview High School NJTROC stood steadfast at attention. Across the way at the iconic Atmore train station, a group of  local veterans stood proudly and saluted as Nelson’s remains passed.

Nelson’s funeral was held in Atmore where, again, hundreds paid their final respects.

Nelson was not forgotten. His name was added to the Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor and other area memorials.  A scholarship was announced. The Bratt Community Park was renamed the LCpl. Travis M. Nelson Park. Nelson’s family was honored at the annual Veterans Day program at Ernest Ward Middle School.

LCpl Travis Nelson left behind a short, simple note just in case he did return from the battlefield in Afghanistan.

“Dear friends and family, if you are reading this, I didn’t get to come home. I love each and every one of you. I have no regrets, I died for a meaningful cause.”

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

3 Responses to “Three Years: Remembering LCpl Travis Nelson”

  1. Vicky on August 18th, 2014 10:49 am

    We salute you LCPL Travis Nelson , sorry this happened to you but it’s special people like you that keep’s us safe .People need to stop for a few minutes and look at what they have to be thankful for thanks to our soldiers ! We honor you !

    Vicky
    century , fl

  2. Mickey Powell on August 18th, 2014 5:06 am

    Three years is a lot of time for young people hoping to get “Grown Up”. LCpl. Travis M. Nelson made it when he enlisted in the U.S. Marines and gave his life for all of the people in the United States and all people that wants to be free.
    For all of us you will never grow old.
    For your commitment and dedication we salute you LCpl. Travis M. Nelson.

    Mickey Powell
    Flomaton Alabama

  3. floyd hill on August 18th, 2014 12:40 am

    lCpl Nelson is an inspiration,or should be, for all of u. the note he left for all is the most moving and inspirational i think i have ever read,it should make all of us want to get up and get involved in our communities and do whatever we can to make them better. may God bless this great americans family and may he be remebered forever for his sacrifice FOR US

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News