Memorial Day honors the U.S. military personnel who died while serving, including Swampscott native Jared Raymond, who was killed in action on September 19, 2006, nearly 20 years ago.

“I always felt proud of Jared,” Raymond’s mother Jaclyn told the Swampscott Tides. “He grew up without a father in his life and grew to be an American hero.”

When Raymond was about five years old, Jaclyn said they attended the Fourth of July parade in Swampscott. He was dressed like a soldier and marched with a flag. 

“The pride and excitement he had on his beautiful face, I knew where he was going in life,” Jaclyn said. 

Raymond was motivated by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to join the Army after graduating from Swampscott High School in 2004. About half a dozen other students in his class also joined the armed forces.

Raymond held the rank of specialist in the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. He was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Balad, Iraq.

Operation Iraqi Freedom was a U.S.-led military campaign. The official operation spanned from 2003 to 2011, and it aimed to end Saddam Hussein’s regime as well as eliminate suspected weapons of mass destruction. The initial victory became prolonged with counterinsurgency efforts and a stabilization operation to support a newly formed Iraqi government.

Raymond was among the almost 4,500 U.S. service members who died during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

“When Jared died, my entire life changed forever. We were not only mother-child. We were best friends. Jared was and always will be my true love,” Jaclyn said. “I always say that since Jared passed away Memorial Day brings a whole new meaning to me. I always felt the sadness and respect for the fallen soldiers and their families, but losing Jared, I feel a very deep sadness, loss and pride.”

Raymond has been honored with the Purple Heart award. He is also being recognized among the displays created by the Military Friends Foundation at Swampscott Town Hall, which features photos and stories of fallen servicemembers.

“I just want the town of Swampscott to know how much I appreciate the love, support and kindness they showed the Raymond family during these last almost 20 years,” Jaclyn said. “They made sure that Jared’s legacy will never be forgotten. God bless America and all the fallen soldiers and their families who carry the pain and sadness.”