Staff Sgt. Edison Hermond hailed as a hero today. Hundreds came out to pay tribute to the Ellicott City flood victim who died trying to save someone else.
The 39-year-old was swept away by rushing waters trying to save a woman during the flooding on Memorial Day Weekend.
"He did not have to step in. He didn't have to render assitance to someone he didn't even know. But Eddie did the same thing he had ben doing for most of his life," Gov. Larry Hogan said.
Eddie was trained to respond to national disasters and helped stabilize riots in Ferguson and Baltimore. He died a hero and friends say he would do it again. He was that kind of guy.
"What he did on May 27th actually makes the word hero even seem inadequate," Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said.
He was a shining star to many, and today, he was honored with one. The adjutant general for the Maryland National Guard announced that she named a star after Eddie.
"I wanted his star to shine bright and never fade, so when you go on walks at night, and you would typically call him, you can now always look up at and see Eddie H," Maj. Gen. Linda Singh said.
He also recieved 3 awards posthumously; the Soldier's Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross with valor.
A man remembered for his loving nature, loved by so many.
"In the midst of everyone's imperfections, he made you feel like you were perfect," his aunt said.
He was buried with full miltary honors at Maryland Veterans Cemetary in Crownsville.
