My eyes welled with tears as I read the message on this teen’s prom dress.
When Rochelle Township High School student Aubrey Headdon selected her prom dress, she aimed for something extraordinary. Inspired by the 25 fallen Marines from her Illinois community who lost their lives between 2010 and 2011, Aubrey envisioned a beautiful and patriotic dress to honor their memory. Her creation, a blue halter neck dress adorned with red and white ribbons resembling an American flag, was proudly showcased on Aubrey’s special night – a sight that moved many to tears.
Aubrey Headdon was immensely proud to carry the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, close to her heart during prom. Her dress not only paid tribute to the fallen Marines but also embodied the spirit of the American flag with its unique design. With a blue base color, the dress featured red and white ribbons flowing throughout, harmonizing with the halter neck style.
While the dress itself was striking, it was Aubrey’s act of using her prom night to honor fallen soldiers that captured everyone’s attention. Her selfless gesture serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in service to our country. Aubrey’s initiative is truly commendable, and she embodies the values of gratitude and remembrance.
“I wanted to wear this tribute dress to my senior prom so that the memories of the guys who fell in Afghanistan, fighting for our freedom, are carried on,” Aubrey expressed to Yahoo Lifestyle after her dress garnered widespread attention.
Aubrey drew inspiration from her local heroes, particularly after hearing the touching story of the Battalion based in Camp Pendleton, California, from the mother of one of the fallen Marines, Alec Catherwood. His story deeply impacted Aubrey, motivating her to create the special dress.
“Their lives… and their memories need to carry on so that they don’t fade into nothing.”
The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, also known as 3/5 or Darkhorse, endured significant casualties, making Aubrey’s tribute all the more meaningful.