29 Jan Statement on the Passing of Margaret Slaughter
L-R: April Cheek-Messier and Margaret Slaughter, Memorial Day 2014
The National D-Day Memorial Foundation joins the Slaughter family in mourning the loss of Margaret Slaughter, the wife of late Memorial founder Sgt. John Robert “Bob” Slaughter. Mrs. Slaughter, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 25, 2018 in Roanoke, VA.
One might consider Mrs. Slaughter the Memorial’s ‘first lady’, as she shared and supported her husband’s dream of seeing a lasting monument to those he served with on June 6, 1944 come to fruition.
“Margaret was a beautiful woman who was entirely devoted to her family. Her support and encouragement to Bob was always unwavering,” said National D-Day Memorial Foundation President April Cheek-Messier. “Bob wrote in his powerful memoir Omaha Beach and Beyond that ‘Without Margaret’s love and understanding, and the stability of family life, I dread to think what I might have become.’ It was evident the two of them were a team and an inseparable one, having spent 65 years together.”
“She was extraordinarily proud of all he had done, not only for his country, but for his determination in keeping the story of his comrades alive so future generations would not forget,” said Cheek-Messier. “Together, Bob and Margaret made positive changes in their community and impacted the lives of many including their invaluable work in creating the National D-Day Memorial, which we all have the benefit of enjoying today. We are saddened by her loss, but certain the legacy they envisioned together will continue on.”
Mrs. Slaughter’s last visit to the Memorial was on Memorial Day 2014, when the Foundation unveiled a portrait bust of her late husband. The Foundation is honored by the Slaughter family’s request that memorial contributions in Mrs. Slaughter’s name be made to the Memorial, to continue her husband’s vision. Mrs. Slaughter will be laid to rest beside her husband on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 in Roanoke, VA. Click here to read Mrs. Slaughter’s full obituary.