Cape Coral hero to be honored at White House Memorial Day observance

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—A fallen American hero who grew up in Cape Coral will be honored by the White House on Memorial Day in Washington D.C.

U.S. Army Special Forces Capt. Daniel Eggers gave his life serving in Afghanistan in 2004. As a Green Beret, his family says, Eggers was dedicated to protecting others.

Eggers' parents—William and Margaret—tell WINK News they were shocked to get a call from the White House inviting them to the nation's capitol to honor their son.

"We were so surprised that it's happening to the Eggers family, giving all that honor to our son, who gave his life for this country," William Eggers said.

Eggers will be one of two American heroes honored at a candlelit ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day. The ceremony will be part of Freedom 250's National Memorial Day of Observance, in an evening focused on stories of service.

"This whole event was a real surprise to us, and it's just a wonderful thing," Margaret Eggers said.

Eggers' story includes a legacy of leadership, sound judgement and deep dedication to his country—told by his teammates, historians and his family. The 28-year-old hero's memory is permanent in Southwest Florida—from his dedicated highway off the Midpoint Bridge to memorial bricks placed in his honor.

But, most importantly, his story shines through his loved ones. Eggers' niece Kiley Lebid can't make the Memorial Day event because she's working to honor her uncle in her own way.

"I'm actually not attending the event, I leave for basic training for the army on Monday, so coming from a family of gold stars, it's kind of inspiring that this is all happening around the same time," Lebid said.

In serving her country, Lebid hopes she's making her uncle proud. Wednesday evening, the teen and fellow Fort Myers U.S. Army recruits participated in a memorial ruck across the Caloosahatchee Bridge to remember brave soldiers, like Eggers, who gave everything for our freedom.

"I just hope I can carry on the legacy," Lebid said.

A legacy that lives within Eggers' loved ones and continues to shine across our country.

"Danny had said to us he would always be with us, so it just makes us feel close," Margaret Eggers said.

The ceremony will take place Monday night at Arlington National Cemetery, and the Eggers family will be there.