PFC MICHAEL BRIAN MCGINNIS USMC
WHOSE NAME WE CARRY
Michael is one of us. He came from an Irish heritage similar to all of us. Some of his ancestors came before, during, and after the great hunger of 1845-1850. Their names were Lynch, Gannon, Gilmartin, McGinnis and many other Irish names. Like you, family names lost in the struggles of antiquity.
Michael is one of us. Michael’s maternal grandparents were American born, George Lynch in NYC and Mary Ann Gannon in the Pennsylvania coal region. His Paternal grandparents were born in Ireland, Paul McGinnis from County Armagh and Margaret Gilmartin from County Mayo. Like you, both Irish and American.
Michael is one of us. He was born in Philadelphia on August 11, 1949. He belonged to a big family, one of seven children of Joseph McGinnis and Elizabeth (Lynch) McGinnis. He was the youngest of four girls and three boys. He attended Catholic schools, graduating from ST. Joseph the Worker in 1964. Like you, part of a larger family and a believer in Catholic Church.
Michael is one of us. He grew up with a smile and a kind word for everyone. He participated in all school sports. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He worked part time at whatever came his way, cleaning, trash removal, putting up realty signs. Like you, he loved life and was willing to work hard to earn a living.
Michael is one of us. He postponed college to join the Marines. He went to boot camp at Parris Island, training at Camp Giger and the ultimate Vietnam. Like you, he fought for what he believed in.
Michael was killed in action, 4 AM, September 17, 1969 not yet 21. He is remembered by his family as a great son, brother, and friend. He is remembered by us as an Irishman devoted to God and Country. May we be like him.
http://www.virtualwall.org/dm/McginnisMB01a.htm