Under a somber sky on the 19th of November, 2025, a poignant gathering of family, friends, and fellow service members took place at Arlington National Cemetery to bid farewell to U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Verardo. He was one of the most severely injured heroes from the post-9/11 era.

This paratrooper, who survived two IED explosions in Afghanistan and underwent 120 surgeries over 15 years, was honored as a devoted patriot, husband, and father whose bravery surpassed every challenge he faced.

Sgt. Verardo’s journey became a beacon of unity among lawmakers, veterans, and military families. They observed not only his battle but also how he transformed his lengthy recovery into a new mission, advocating for others through the Independence Fund. This organization has helped over 2,700 severely wounded veterans regain their mobility.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt invocation by Rev. Dr. Terry Moore, whose words resonated among the rows of white headstones. “Today is a sacred day, as we gather to honor a true hero — a hero to his nation, his family, a husband, a father, and a friend,” he proclaimed.

Soldiers from the U.S. Army Band, known as “Pershing’s Own,” alongside the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the Caisson Detachment, performed full military funeral honors for Sgt. Verardo in Section 57 of Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia on November 19, 2025. (Photo credit: Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)

“The greatest love is to lay down one’s life for others. But most importantly, Michael Verardo was a child of God… His spirit now rests in the embrace of a loving God.”

Soldiers in dress uniform with the U.S. Army Band, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, and the Caisson Detachment moved with precision as they carried his flag-draped casket to Section 57, Grave 2113. A rifle volley cracked through the air before a lone bugler played “Taps.”

While “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” played softly over the field, the folded American flag which draped his casket was placed into the hands of Verardo’s widow, Mrs. Sarah Verardo, “as a symbol of appreciation” from a grateful nation.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth offers condolences to Sarah Verardo and family following the funeral service for her husband, U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Verardo, in Section 57 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Nov. 19, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)

The ceremony concluded with “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth offered one of the afternoon’s most emotional tributes.

“Sergeant Verardo was a soldier, a patriot, and a man who said, ‘Send me’,” Hegseth told mourners. “Send me to the Army. Send me to the 82nd. Send me to Afghanistan. Even when wounded, he wanted to return to his men. That was the spirit of Sgt. Verardo, the warrior ethos through and through.”

Hegseth continued: “Through 120 surgeries and countless complications, he fought with the same courage he showed in battle. His family fought with him, for him and alongside him. May we continue to produce such men and women — for they are the cost of freedom.”

Soldiers from the U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and the Caisson Detachment conduct full military funeral honors with escort for U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Verardo in Section 57 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Nov. 19, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)

Lawmakers in attendance included Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. Richard Hudson, who joined a lineup of veterans, military officials and family friends honoring Verardo’s life.

President Donald Trump honored Verardo when he passed back in August in a Truth Social post, writing of his “extraordinary life and service.”

During the ceremony, Sarah Verardo sat flanked by the couple’s three daughters, Grace, Mary Scott and Elizabeth.

Born Feb. 16, 1985, in Providence, Rhode Island, Michael Verardo enlisted in the U.S. Army and deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Bravo Company, 2-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

In April 2010, he survived two separate IED attacks in the Arghandab River Valley. The second explosion caused catastrophic injuries: the loss of his left leg, extensive burns, a traumatic brain injury and severe internal damage. He flatlined multiple times before pulling through with sheer grit and celebrated his “Alive Day” each year after on April 24.

Verardo spent years in recovery at Walter Reed and Brooke Army Medical Center, undergoing more than 120 surgeries and countless medical procedures. He married high school sweetheart Sarah Conklin in 2013, and together they raised three daughters while devoting their lives to improving care for severely wounded veterans.

Through their leadership of The Independence Fund, founded by Marine Corps veteran Steve Danyluk, the Verardos helped deliver more than 2,700 all-terrain Track Chairs to veterans across generations, providing newfound independence to troops injured in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. Verardo died Aug. 26, 2025, from complications related to his combat injuries. He was 40.

To those who knew him, Sgt. Verardo’s life was defined not only by the injuries he survived, but by the mission he chose afterward: advocacy and service. That mission continues through the Independence Fund, through every veteran who regained mobility through a Track Chair, and through every military family strengthened by the example he and Sarah set.

His headstone will face the Washington Monument as the nation he fought for still stands tall.

“Wearing our nation’s uniform was the honor of Michael’s lifetime,” Sarah said in a previous interview. “Caring for him was the honor of mine.”