The New England Patriots honored an American hero before kickoff on Sundays’ (Nov. 15) game against the Baltimore Ravens. The NFL team held a tribute to the life and legacy of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marwan Sameh Ghabour.
Ghabour was a native to Massachusetts, living in Marlborough. He was one of five U.S. soldiers that lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Nov. 12. The team honored Ghabour with the unveiling of a giant American flag across the empty stadium seats behind their endzone. Before kickoff, the team held a moment of silence in honor of the fallen Massachusetts native.
Before tonight’s game, a moment of silent reflection as we remember U.S. Army soldier and Arlington native Marwan S. Ghabour, and honor all service members who have bravely fought for our freedom. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/iKqejfxMwJ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 16, 2020
The Patriots also added decals to their helmets with the initials of military members killed in the line of duty. The team wanted to honor the sacrifices of those who served.
“It’s important because it’s our way of showing thanks to all the men and women that go out there and risk their lives for our freedom, for our country,” Patriots safety Devin McCourty said.
“We know we wouldn’t be able to play this game without you guys serving,” Patriots captain Matthew Slater also said. “So we salute you, and we thank you.”
Five American Soldiers Died in a Helicopter Crash
According to Fox News, Ghabour was on a peacekeeping mission with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO). He was one of five American soldiers who died when a UH-60 helicopter crashed in Sinai, Egypt. Capt. Seth Vernon Vandekamp, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dallas Gearld Garza, Staff Sgt. Kyle Robert McKee, and Sgt. Jeremy Cain Sherman also lost their lives.
The outlet reported that mechanical failure is the probable cause of the crash but officials are investigating the incident. The U.N. peacekeeping mission reported the crash that killed seven soldiers and injured another.
“During a routine mission in the vicinity of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, eight uniformed members of the Multinational Force. And Observers (MFO) were involved in a helicopter crash,” the mission wrote in a statement. “We are deeply saddened to report that seven MFO members were killed. This includes five U.S. citizens, one French and one Czech. One U.S. MFO Member survived. And was medically evacuated.”
In a separate statement, Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller offered his condolences to the soldiers and their families.
“Yesterday we recognized the sacrifice of millions of American veterans who have defended our nation for generations. And today we are tragically reminded of the last full measure our uniformed warriors may pay for their service,” Miller said. “I extend the Department’s condolences to the families, friends and teammates of these service members.”
