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Kirkland, WA – In 2000, two sophomores at Juanita High School in Kirkland, Washington, forged a friendship destined to withstand the toughest of trials. Garrett Ware, new to the school, found an instant best friend in Nathan Wood. Their bond, built on shared experiences and adolescent camaraderies, took a decisive turn when Nathan expressed his intention to join the Marines. Inspired, Garrett followed suit in their senior year, driven by a desire to be part of what he perceived as the toughest, most fearsome fighting force.
Their journey from high school hallways to Marine boot camp was a testament to their unwavering friendship. Although assigned to different companies, their paths crossed again in the gritty urban combat of Fallujah in 2004, a battle reminiscent of Vietnam’s harsh realities. It was during this battle that their fates diverged. Garrett, now a resource officer at Bothell High School and a member of the Bothell Police Department, recalls the harrowing day when he was injured by shrapnel, and the devastating news of Nathan’s death reached him.
The loss of Nathan was a profound turning point for Garrett. It brought a mix of shock, guilt, and an overwhelming desire to be with his fellow Marines. Time moved on, as it inevitably does. Garrett’s life continued with a career in law enforcement, marriage, and starting a family. Yet, Nathan’s memory, forever young and brave, remained a constant presence.
Honoring Nathan’s memory became a sacred tradition for Garrett. Each year, on the eve of Veterans Day and the anniversary of Nathan’s death, Garrett and others who knew Nathan gather at his gravesite at Floral Hills Cemetery. This annual vigil, marked by Icehouse beer (Nathan’s favorite), candles, and a large portrait of Nathan, becomes a night of remembrance and tribute to a life that left an indelible impact on many.
The story of Nathan’s legacy extends beyond Garrett. Emily Ware, Garrett’s wife, remembers being moved by Garrett’s eulogy at Nathan’s funeral. Brandon Mitalas, who never met Nathan in life but helped carry his remains home, was inspired by Nathan’s story, leading to a significant personal connection and the start of his own family.
Garrett’s commitment to Nathan’s memory is unwavering. His annual Memorial Day run to Nathan’s grave and his quiet moments of reflection there are testament to a bond that transcends time and circumstance. In Garrett’s words and actions, the story of Nathan lives on, a reminder of the countless brave souls like Nathan and Garrett who have served and sacrificed.
The legacy of Nathan Wood is not just a story of loss and grief; it’s a narrative of enduring friendship, resilience, and the profound impact one life can have on many. In remembering Nathan, Garrett and others ensure that his spirit continues to inspire and guide, a beacon of bravery and brotherhood in a world that so often forgets.
Source: KOMONEWS
