On February 27, Ambassador Robert P. Jackson hosted a solemn memorial ceremony in honor of Private First Class (PFC) Emmanuel Mensah at the U.S. Embassy in Accra. The ceremony welcomed Private Mensah’s relatives and friends as well as senior officials from the Government of Ghana (GoG), the Ghanaian armed forces, and members of the media and the U.S. Embassy. They included Minister of Defense Dominic Nitiwul and Minister of Interior Ambrose Derry. PFC Mensah’s father Kwabena Mensah was represented by his uncles Ben Owusu Domena, Daniel Osei-Uwusu, and Andrew Kwadwo Oduro.
The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of the Republic of Ghana and the United States of America, and was followed by an invocation. Remarks were delivered by Ambassador Jackson, Senior Defense Official U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Joseph Lee, and PFC Mensah’s uncle Andrew Kwadwo Oduro.
In his remarks, the Ambassador lauded PFC Mensah’s heroism noting: “When his apartment building in the Bronx, New York, caught on fire on December 28, 2017, Private First Class Mensah safely fled to the street. Once there, he realized that his neighbors were threatened by the fire and he did not hesitate to answer the call of his heart four times to bring them to safety and comfort. In doing so, he saved four lives. He performed these acts of heroism at the expense of his own life, which we honor here today… The story of America is written through the lives of citizens and immigrants like Emmanuel Mensah. Common men and women who become heroes by doing extraordinary things in pursuit of serving others. They place others – always – before self. Their lives are an inspiration to us all, and the threads by which the national character of the United States is perpetually woven… let us never forget that Private First Class Mensah’s example calls on each of us to higher service for one another, our nations, and our world. Our common son gave his best, and so must we. May he rest in perfect peace and live forever in our hearts and memories, especially of those who loved and knew him.”
LTC Lee lauded PFC Mensah’s heroism and embodiment of the highest standards of courage and selflessness of the profession of arms. Speaking for the family, his uncle Andrew Kwadwo Oduro expressed their pride, love, and admiration for PFC Mensah’s courage in selflessly “standing up” to face danger in order to save four lives. He reflected on PFC Mensah’s life in Ghana, how much he meant to his family, his dreams of one day becoming a soldier, his determination to pursue an education, and perseverance towards attaining his goals. Their remarks were followed by a reading of the Soldier’s Medal citation awarded by the President of the United States to PFC Mensah in honor and recognition of his heroism.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction, final roll call, paying of last respects to PFC Mensah, and a reception for special guests hosted by the Ambassador. Read the Ambassador’s remarks below.
Memorial Ceremony for PFC Emmanuel Mensah
Remarks by Ambassador Robert P. Jackson
U.S. Embassy, Accra
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 | 2:00 p.m.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is an honor to have you here today to honor the life of Private First Class Emmanuel Mensah, a proud son of both Ghana and the United States of America. An American hero who served his nation in uniform, Private First Class Mensah sacrificed his life so that others might live, thereby embodying the noblest values of the profession of arms even while off duty. His example teaches us the truest meaning of citizenship, shaped and defined by his character, courage, and honor.
When his apartment building in the Bronx, New York, caught on fire on December 28, 2017, Private First Class Mensah safely fled to the street. Once there, he realized that his neighbors were threatened by the fire and he did not hesitate to answer the call of his heart four times to bring them to safety and comfort. In doing so, he saved four lives. He performed these acts of heroism at the expense of his own life, which we honor here today. The Holy Scriptures tell us that: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Emmanuel’s heroic actions demonstrated that highest form of love.
His heroism is honored both in the United States as in Ghana. At his memorial service on February 17, New York Catholic Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, consoled and reminded mourners that Private Mensah lived up to his name which means “God is with us.” The Cardinal added and I quote: “In the selfless valor, the instinctive willingness to sacrifice and give his all, Emmanuel Mensah was ‘God with us,’ reminding us of the most noble calling of the human person, to give ourselves in sacrifice and love to others.”
Private First Class Mensah’s story began here in Ghana. The third of five children, he was born on April 11, 1991 in Accra to Kwabena Mensah and the late Beatrice Owusu. He completed his primary and middle school studies in Accra between 1997 and 2006. He studied mechanical engineering at Saint Paul’s Technical School in the Eastern Region from 2006 through 2009, and then enrolled in Information Technology studies at the IPMC College of Technology of Ghana. Emmanuel Mensah migrated to the United States of America in 2012 and worked for American Airlines from 2013 through 2017. He then joined the United States Army in December 2017 and was home for the holidays prior to reporting for duty at the 107th Military Police Company of the New York Army National Guard.
The story of America is written through the lives of citizens and immigrants like Emmanuel Mensah. Common men and women who become heroes by doing extraordinary things in pursuit of serving others. They place others – always – before self. Their lives are an inspiration to us all, and the threads by which the national character of the United States is perpetually woven. How fortunate and proud we are to call Private First Class Mensah our fellow American and your fellow Ghanaian. We deeply mourn his passing and celebrate his life, which exemplifies the unbreakable bonds and ties between our peoples and our nations.
To his family members present here today, we honor on behalf of a grateful nation the faithful and dutiful service rendered by your loved one. Our nation stands with you, and may God bless you. Finally, let us never forget that Private First Class Mensah’s example calls on each of us to higher service for one another, our nations, and our world. Our common son gave his best, and so must we. May he rest in perfect peace and live forever in our hearts and memories, especially of those who loved and knew him.
