White House honors Cape Coral Army captain killed in Afghanistan on Memorial Day

ARLINGTON, Va. (WINK)—A fallen American hero and Cape Coral native was honored by the White House on Memorial Day.

U.S. Army Special Forces Capt. Daniel Eggers died serving in Afghanistan in 2004. The 28-year-old Green Beret's legacy of humility, courage, and strength was highlighted at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Memorial Day.

WINK News reporter Maddie Herron traveled to Virginia, where she followed the Gold Star family on their journey of emotions and honor. Nearly 22 years after Eggers died serving our country in Afghanistan, his memory lives on in music played by fellow service members, his country's flag, and his family.

"He was a real team player, and he didn't take the credit for himself," said Margaret Eggers, Capt. Daniel Eggers' mother.

Eggers' parents, Margaret and William, got a call from the White House inviting them to an evening of stories of service on Memorial Day. Their son's legacy, a life of unwavering service, was highlighted center stage.

"It was just overwhelmingly emotional," Margaret Eggers said. "Just the outpouring of support and patriotism and love that there is in this country."

The two sat eagerly in the crowd as Eggers' wife, Rebecca, and his son Billy spoke in front of hundreds about the brave man they love and miss. Billy Eggers shared his father's ability to connect with others.

"I definitely think his ability to laugh things off and connect with people is why people respected him and could work with him," Billy Eggers said.

Eggers' family says storytelling like this keeps legacies alive and continues to spread honor across the very country Eggers gave his life to protect. The evening left a lasting impression on the family.

"We're taking home one heck of a story for Captain Eggers, and it was way beyond what I thought this was going to be, and it came out to be an evening that we will never forget," said William Eggers, Capt. Daniel Eggers' father.

The Eggers family said the observance was an evening to remember, for a hero they'll never forget.