A Life Lost Out of the Spotlight

While a Nation and World Paid Tribute to a Passing Singer, a Small Town Mourned a Young Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

(CBS)  Millions around the world will remember the day Michael Jackson died. Martha Gillis will, too - but she'll be thinking of someone else. She shares her Opinion with us now:

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My 24-year-old nephew, Brian Bradshaw, died in Afghanistan on June 25, killed by an IED, but you'd never have known it from the national media.

I cannot tell you how that silence added to the pain of losing this bright, funny, thoughtful young man, whom I remember so vividly as a toddler, wandering the house in cowboy boots and hat (and nothing else).

I suspect it's a pain shared by many of the 4,000-plus grieving families whose loved ones have sacrificed their lives in two wars that have largely disappeared from the news.

When I flew West for Brian's funeral, the mayor of his small home town personally met each of dozens of flights of arriving family members. Flags flew at half-staff. Six hundred people attended the funeral service.

That is partly a testament to Brian's remarkable capacity to connect with people and leave a lasting impression - his lopsided grins were so infectious. It is also a testament to the level of caring and support the town offered to my bereaved sister and her husband.

Even the desk clerk who checked us into our hotel attended, as a simple gesture of common humanity.

Along the route from the church to the cemetery, people came out of their houses to stand with their hands over their hearts or to wave small American flags. Cars going in the opposite direction stopped. Some drivers got out to stand in respect.

To all of them, I say "Thank you. You know how to honor those who serve to protect you."

Once I left town, though, soldier's deaths once again became invisible.

Because of the incredible kindness of the people of Steilacoom, Wash., however, I wonder how many other people, in Maine or Texas or New York City, would also have honored Brian and the other soldiers who have died in the last two weeks if the media had simply let them know:

Somebody's little boy died today. Someone's little girl found out today that Daddy is never coming home.

That news is hard to bear; when the nation they died for barely notices, it's crushing.

[arual1234]

My heart goes out to you and your family. Your opinion piece brought tears and goosbumps and a heaviness to my heart. My heart is heavy because it brought back memories of what our family recently went through. Our small town honored our fallen soldier in the same way they honored your nephew . How big the world feels the death of a celebrity is and how our fallen soldiers are forgotten yet they allow us to live the life we are able to live. Thank you for your opinion piece.

[jsanders710]

My husband and I were both greatly moved by this commentary. Now, when we hear anything regarding MJ, we think about our fallen soldiers instead.

[1speaker]

I could not ask for a better result of my speaking out. Thank you.

[1speaker]

I could not ask for a better result of my speaking out. Thank you.

Brian's aunt

[towhead218]

it's sad world, when you must say "thank you" for a correct perspective of that day in june....

[mom23girls]

God Bless Brian Bradshaw's soul for giving his life protecting my family and myself. Give peace to his family to get through this dark time and blessings for his aunt, Mrs. Giles, for such an eloquent tribute for her nephew. Thank you CBS Sunday Morning for airing it; I would love to see more tributes such as this.

[DakotaMojo]

This deeply emotional piece speaks to the power of television to tell a heart wrenching intimate story that sheds light on universal truths. Very moving tribute to a man who's aunt felt compelled to call out his name in sorrow, so that others would know his story, and reflect on what's truly important. Brian Bradshaw, a unknown soldier to most, will never be forgotten because of Martha Gillis' love of family and righteous indignation at the unconscionable state of what is newsworthy today.

[sweetncarolina]

Ms. Gillis' commentary is so very warranted and I applaud CBS for allowing Ms. Gillis the opportunity to honor Brian and remind us how war-detached the media and many of our citizens have become! My sympathy to Brian's family, friends, and colleagues! As for myself, every casulty from the war in the Middle East produces tears and an ache in my heart for the family! I will always remember and share in that loss!

[janet_paul]

How sad but truthful words. Here a young man has died fighting a terrible war and all the media has to talk about is Michael Jackson.
How can we forget that the other deaths that occured that week had a decorated World War II hero that was mentioned in passing. (Ed McMahon).
This women's opinion was well stated and my hearfelt sympathies to her family.
jp

[ndkate46]

My heart and prayers go out to the Bradshaw family and every family that has lost a loved one. Yes and to Michael Jackson's family. But enough is enough, how many ways and how many channels must smother the public with coverage? He was a composer/singer that was very talented---he didn't find a cure for cancer NOR was he a saint.
When I watched the show with that tribute all I could do is cry and scream at the tv that I agreed 150% with the Aunt. My son is currently in Afghanistan and everytime there are death's, I hold my breath and selfishly pray that ServiceMembers will not come to my door for notification.
Whether you agree or disagree with our being overseas, our sons, daughters, husbands, wives, nieces and nephews are there doing a job that needs our moral support; especially while we sit here in the luxury our comfortable homes, with the air conditioner cooling us, access to the tv, phones, Friday night dates, etc., etc, in otherwards all of the freedoms that they don't have at their fingertips. God Bless All of Our Servicemen and women and God Bless America.

[Pegasus789]

I love CBS Sunday Morning and this past Sunday was the best ever. I, like many of the others who commented, was in tears when the story was over. Enough about Michael Jackson! Get a life! People need to wake up and realize what is REALLY important!!

[kimwonders]

Dear Martha and family,

Thank you so much for sharing Brian and his story with all of us. Your tender and beautiful tribute to this incredible young man made thousands stop and think about what is important in this world.

Martha, your incredibly moving story of Brian and your memories of him was a reminder to treasure all those important to us. Let's also remember that dispite the circus created 3 young children mourn the loss of their very special father, Michael Jackson.

I lost my own son almost 2 years ago in an accident. Seeing your face as you spoke brought back the profound loss and the emptiness that will never be filled. I have also founded scholarships in his name and a website, http://www.heroesripple.org, to help families share the stories of their loved ones and to help each other along the path of grief.

Thank you, once again, for sharing some of Brian with me. I wish that I had known him personally but know that I will carry his story in my heart forever,

In gentle care,

Kim