IN MEMORY OF JOHN J. CHADA

John J. Chada, age 55.
Place killed: Pentagon. Resident of Manassas, Va. (USA).

The following article is from the Arlington National Cemetery website:

John Chada, in the Army, is listed as missing.

Sergeant First class John J. Chada, United States Army (retired), died on September 11, 2001. A two-time Vietnam veteran, John followed his long military career, serving in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army, with more public service. In his current job, he worked as an administrative assistant for the Department of Defense Information Management Support Center.

A devoted and outstanding husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, he was a member of the Moose Lodge in Manassas, Virginia, for the past 13 years. During this time, he served as Governor, Junior Governor, Membership Chair, President, Past President and Director of the Moose Legion. He also served on the planning committee for the 2001 Moose Legion Convention and as Fourth District secretary of the Virginia Moose Association. While a member, he earned his Fellowship Degree. A lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he was also a member of the American Legion.

Born September 13, 1945, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was two days short of his 56th birthday at the time of his passing.

Survivors include Ginger, his wife of 30 years; a daughter, Tammy Merritt; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, November 19, 2001 at Price Funeral Home, 9609 Center St., Manassas, Virginia, where a rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. Monday followed by a Moose and VFW service. The funeral liturgy will be offered 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Rd., Manassas, Rev. Robert C. Cilinski officiating. Interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, with military honors.

Mr. Chada served his country. He gave of himself to his community. He was a family man. When you think of Mr. Chada or any of the victims of 911 in this way, they become more than a number or a statistic. They become human beings, they become our neighbor, friend or family member. They have a face and most importantly they have a life. Let us remember them, let us honor them.

I pray that we, as a country remember the terrible tragedy that occured 5 years ago. Not only for the assault on our country, but on our way of life.

I pray that each family that lost a love one will celebrate the life of that person and cherish each memory they have. I pray for healing for the families that lost a loved one(s).

I pray for physical/mental healing of those that survived, those that helped search/rescue the people in the buildings/planes.

AMEN