'Listen To Each Other': Parsippany Gold-Star Mother Urges Unity

PARSIPPANY, NJ — For the second straight year, Parsippany couldn't physically stand together for its Memorial Day ceremony. But anyone watching online could hear the message loud and clear from a local Gold Star mother: Americans must set aside their differences and unite.

Siobhan Fuller's son, Derek Tra McConnell, sustained an injury with the U.S. Army while in Afghanistan. McConnell lost both legs — his left leg from the hip. A traumatic brain injury to his right arm, which left him with limited function.

But McConnell had big plans. As he was completing the process for medical retirement, the aspiring writer began his novel. He looked forward to returning home for summer 2013.

"He fought hard, and he never gave up," Fuller said. "He learned to walk again on high-tech prosthetics, learned to be independent and proposed to his high school sweetheart. They were to be married in January 2014."

But McConnell's dreams were never to be. He died March 18, 2013, at age 23.

"Derek knew his limitations, but he was ready to meet them head-on," she said. "His dreams and goals were not to be realized."

When McConnell enlisted, an array of emotions engulfed Fuller. She felt happy for his decision, sad to see him go and fearful for the worst. But now, she carries a similar gamut of emotions when she thinks of the United States.

"This country is going down a very scary path," Fuller said. "We are chipping away at the freedom and rights that those who we honor on this day died to protect. We are living in absolutes that are defining and dividing us. Not everyone in a particular race, religion, creed, sexual orientation, political party, career or gender can be put into the same categories. But that is what is happening."

So when she addressed the virtual crowd at Parsippany's Memorial Day ceremony, Fuller brought an urgent message.

"We have to put aside our differences as Americans to listen to one another," she said.

Watch the ceremony below. Begin at 10:42 to listen to Fuller.

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