Brothers in Arms, Side-by-Side at Arlington
Good Friends at the Naval Academy and Both Killed in Combat, Travis Manion and Brendan Looney Now Lie in Rest Together
-
Play CBS Video Video Brothers In Arms Buried Together Travis Manion and Brendan Looney were roommates at the naval academy and became as close as brothers. One became a Marine stationed in Iraq, the other, a Navy Seal in Afghanistan. Both have died and were laid to rest side-by-side in Arlington's National Cemetery. David Martin reports.
-
Brendan Looney, left, and Travis Manion, right. (CBS)
"That's what kinda gets me by is knowing that they're going to be together," said Looney's wife, Amy.
The grief is still raw for Amy, and for Looney's mother Maureen. It's been less than two weeks since his body came home from Afghanistan, where he was killed in a helicopter crash.
Travis Manion Foundation
"After we got the call and everything, actually Mrs. Manion was the first person I called because she was like Brendan's other mom," said Maureen.
"And she just said, 'Janet,' and I said, 'Maureen,' and she started crying and I said, 'Brendan,' and she said, 'yes,'" said Janet Manion, Travis' mother.
Travis Manion's parents have been living with their grief for more than three years. He was shot by a sniper in Iraq in 2007. Six months later, Brendan was still overcome talking about what Travis meant to him.
"I was lucky enough to room with Travis at the Naval Academy for two years," said Brendan in October 2007. "In a very short time he became another brother to me. He was a great friend. I'll never forget him and I miss him."
Travis had been laid to rest in the family cemetery near Philadelphia, but when Brendan died both families instantly knew what had to be done.
"That was the first thing out of my mouth, without even thinking," said Amy. "That they had to be together."
"I'll be at peace knowing that he's with his brother, together," said Janet. "I know that's where he wants to be."
On Friday Travis was moved to Arlington. Both families were there, the two mothers holding tight to each other. Monday they gathered again, to bury Brendan right next to Travis.
"They're together now," said Maureen. "We've got two angels looking out after us."
Travis' father, himself a former Marine, spoke their epitaph.
"First Lieutenant Travis Manion, USMC, Lieutenant Brendan Looney, United States Navy. Warriors for freedom, brothers forever," said Travis' father Tom.
©MMX, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
-
Play CBS Video
Gates Foundation: Giving A Fortune Away
-
Play CBS Video
BP Fund: Ken Feinberg's Tough Task
-
Play CBS Video
Bill & Melinda Gates: $60 Billion Donation
-
Play CBS Video
Iraq: Unfinished Business
-
Play CBS Video
Super Bowl MVP "Cool Brees"
-
Play CBS Video
Moving Day: Getting Out of Iraq
-
Play CBS Video
The People Behind The Mosque
-
Play CBS Video
A Relentless Enemy
-
Play CBS Video
Michael Vick's Remarkable Comeback
-
Play CBS Video
Jimmy Carter's White House Diary
-
Play CBS Video
American Samoa: Football Island
-
Play CBS Video
Marc Dreier: The Swindler
- I saw this story on the news last night and it brought tears to my eyes. RIP Travis and Brendan.
- Reply to this comment
- I was watching this story yesterday while waiting for my flight in Denver and the guy next to me commented that the world is better off with two less war mongers. Now, I'm totally regretting that I didn't introduce his face to my fist......a few days in jail is worth it.
- Reply to this comment
- These two "brothers" are inspiring. My blessings to their families. America is so grateful and honored to have been loved by them. They are in my heart.
- Reply to this comment
- RIP, young men. Such a tragic story to read.
- Reply to this comment





Like this Story? Share it: