SSG Ronald J. Shurer II Memorial Garden Fund

Hello neighbors,

My name is Scott Monroe, and I’m a Life Scout in Troop 1100 at Nativity Parish, Burke.  

As we approach Memorial Day this year, please consider supporting an Eagle-Scout Project to commemorate the life of Medal-of-Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Shurer II (US Army).  He was a parishioner at Nativity who unfortunately passed away from lung cancer last May. His widow and two boys still live among us in the community and attend the church where the memorial will be constructed.   The memorial will be built in August, assuming all COVID restrictions still permit.  

The Medal of Honor is the highest honor awarded within the United States Military, and recognizes valor. Only 3473 Americans have ever received this honor, and only 26 since the Vietnam conflict, so to have one within our community is extremely rare and a unique privilege. His sacrifice is very meaningful to our community here in Burke and to citizens across America.  

Please watch the accompanying video to understand how his actions saved the lives of others in Afghanistan.

The memorial garden will include pavers, stone, a bench, a statue of St. Michael (the Patron St. of the Military), a plaque dedicated to his service, an arbor, plant hangers, mulch and native plant species as ground cover. The garden will be constructed near the side entrance of Nativity in a small secluded space surrounded by trees like a grotto.  The space would be open to the public.  

My goal is to raise $5000 to cover materials. In the event we receive extra donations above and beyond the cost necessary to complete the project, they will be donated to Folds of Honor (an organization that supports the families of disabled/deceased veterans).  

I appreciate your support and hope this project embodies his legacy.

Living History of Medal of Honor Recipient SSG Shurer