Family honors anniversary of local soldier’s burial
By JEREMIAH O’HAGAN Staff Reporter
The flag raised in honor of Major Robert D. Lindenau marks the inaugural use of Monaco Beach Community Club’s new flagpole.
This Veterans Day, a new flag honors Camano’s own fallen soldier, Major Robert D. Lindenau.
Major. Lindenau died Oct. 20, 2008 from injuries sustained when a rocketpropelled grenade hit his vehicle. He was laid to rest on All Saints’ Day at the Lutheran Cemetery on Camano Island.
Family gathered last Sunday for an intimate commemoration of the one-year anniversary of their hero’s burial. A sense of peace and quiet pride hung in the air as they hoisted the flag at Monaco Beach Community Club, home of Alex Bloom, Lindenau’s father-in-law.
Bloom said Lindenau’s memorial was the inaugural use of the community’s flagpole, and he expressed gratitude for the club’s vote in favor of a flag-raising to honor his son-in-law.
Alex Bloom (foreground) is happy to see the symbol of freedom memorialize his late son-in-law. Jack Cartee, a veteran and Stanwood VFW member, is beside him.
Robert Lindenau was born Aug. 22, 1969 in Seattle. He enlisted in the United States Army July 1996 and attended U.S. Army Officer Candidate School 1999. Lindenau served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
In addition to decorations earned throughout his service, Lindenau was posthumously promoted to rank of Major and awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and the NATO Medal.
He is survived by his wife Tonya and four children, Rachael, Gabriel, Sarah and Hannah.
Staff Reporter Jeremiah
O’Hagan: 629-8066 ext. 125
or ohagan@scnews.com.
The U.S. Army presented Lindenau’s family with this picture in his honor.
