Tom Bloomer assembled a makeshift memorial to his fellow marines Thursday afternoon. It stands outside his own Tun Tavern here in Sulphur Springs. The original Tun Tavern was the birthplace of the United States Marine Corp. He hopes his gesture honors the 13 U.S. service members killed in a suicide bombing and firefight in Afghanistan. The surge in conflicts at what appears to be the end of the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan has hit Tom hard. And though he doesn’t know any Marines currently in Afghanistan, he knows people who have people stationed there.
“When I was on active duty, as a Marine, my first objective was not to make war necessarily, but it was to help people.” said Tom. He remembers helping people affected by hurricanes, and other disasters during his career in the Marines.
Words to explain how he feels about the events unfolding in Afghanistan come hard, and with long pauses between them. “It doen’t make any sense”, says Tom.
Tom was greatly relived when his son completed his obligation to the Marines a few years back. However, not having family on active duty has not made the memories or his own duty to the Corp fade.
The Wall That Heals
Co-owners Tom and wife Joey are preparing for “The Wall That Heals” event later this fall. “The Wall That Heals” will be in Sulphur Springs, Texas during November 4-7, 2021. Tun Tavern is offering prizes in several categories in conjunction with the event.
If you wish to add to the memorial, Tun Tavern is located at 127 Industrial Dr, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
