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Highlands Today

Remote Memorial Pays Tribute To A Highlands Hero

Courtesy Photo

Maj. Thomas McGuire, who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroics is honored here in Highlands County, where he was born and raised.

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Highlands Today Staff

Published: January 18, 2008

It's heartwarming to know that a memorial marker was placed on the crash site in the Philippines in honor of Highlands County's most decorated war hero. That hallowed spot is worth remembering, considering the incredible acts of bravery Maj. Thomas McGuire demonstrated during World War II.

McGuire, who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroics is honored here in Highlands County, were he was born and raised. Medal of Honor Park reminds all of us that a native son did his hometown and nation proud.

Charles Martin is the man responsible for the marker at McGuire's plane crash site. He also is a Sebring native who wrote a book on McGuire titled "The Last Great Ace." Parts of the wreckage were still there, according to Martin who was there for the dedication. Martin now lives in Jacksonville.

Americans often cringe at the too much memorializing that our country does these days. They believe it trivializes or over dramatized some events. But there's nothing trivial about remembering a man like McGuire. He continually risked his own life as he shot down Japanese fighter planes and distracted others to save fellow American flyers. He risked his life over and over to make sure his fellow pilots could make it safely to an important airstrip on the island.

Few, if any, people living in Highlands County remember him, but even for those of us who came much later, we marvel at what he did and honor him for his sacrifices. And there's something comforting knowing that he is also remembered in a remote location thousands of miles away where he lost his life.

We wish he could have returned home safely, but there's solace in knowing that because of him, a lot of men returned home to live full, happy lives. By whatever method you measure a person, Major McGuire was a good man and hero to his nation.

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