On Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Verardo, a Purple Heart recipient and advocate for wounded veterans, was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony, attended by family, friends, military personnel, and lawmakers, honored Verardo for his extraordinary service, resilience, and dedication to helping fellow veterans. The nation mourned the loss of a soldier who, despite suffering catastrophic injuries in Afghanistan, continued to serve his country through advocacy and compassion.
Verardo, who was deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, survived two IED attacks in the Arghandab River Valley in April 2010. These blasts left him with catastrophic injuries, including the loss of his left leg, extensive burns, a traumatic brain injury, and severe internal damage. Despite these injuries, he refused to give up and celebrated his