Barbara Walsh Egan: Sen. Reed clears up medals mishap

On May 16, my father, Edward J. Walsh, was honored posthumously at the office of Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.). My mother, Hope L. Walsh received my father’s medals.

A week after my father’s passing on March 11, the Veterans’ Cemetery contacted my mother, stating it would not put a Bronze Star on his headstone because of a lack of evidence that my father earned the award. This was extremely upsetting and I immediately wrote to the Veterans Administration.

Both my husband and a friend at work, Rosemary Gill, told me to contact Senator Reed. I took their advice and received immediate help from a staffer. Several weeks later, my mother received a letter from Senator Reed stating all the medals my father was entitled to, as well as giving the date for a medal ceremony to honor my father.

This gesture was not something that my family and I expected to be given, but one for which we were beyond grateful. Senator Reed and his office were most gracious hosts and created a comfortable and tasteful ceremony that my father would have been most honored by.

I wish to send my sincerest thanks and praise to the senator and his team for the excellent service they provided in honor of my father.

Barbara Walsh Egan

Warwick