Spc. Edward Faulkner Jr's life remembered

Family remembers son, soldier on birthday

July 10, 2011 6:50 PM
Melissa Kansky
Times-News

"While serving, his unit was attacked at Combat Outpost Keady by the Taliban. Eight soldiers from Ed Faulkner’s unit were lost that day, and 29 were wounded."

GIBSONVILLE — Butterfly and star-shaped balloons, each marked with “Happy Birthday,” sailed toward rain clouds Wednesday evening as the Faulkner family sang happy birthday in the Gibsonville Community Cemetery to their son on his 28th birthday.

Sharon and Edward Faulkner released 27 balloons in honor of their son’s birthday. One butterfly balloon, attached to a red, white and blue wreath, swayed above the grave of veteran Ed Faulkner Jr.

“This is his first birthday in heaven,” Sharon said.

The release of 27 of the 28 balloons represented his 27 years of life, Edward said.

“It’s just significant that we honor him as a soldier, and as a son, on his birthday,” she said.

While the balloons represented Ed Faulkner Jr.’s birthday, the butterfly balloons also have a greater significance. For Sharon, it signifies a connection between her and her son.

While working around his grave a month ago, a brown monarch followed her and remained on her sleeve.

“We found out later that the brown monarch is rare,” she said. “It doesn’t come around often, and when it does it is a kiss from the king.”

Sharon and Edward interpreted the butterfly as a sign of their son’s presence.
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Family remembers son, soldier on birthday