It was a memorable moment in the young life of Michael Smith, a special day.

It was a special day because it revolved around soccer. It was a special day because it was made possible by his fallen father.

"I love soccer with every bone in my body," said Michael. "The World Cup only happens every four years. It unites a nation, and it unites everyone. It's a game everyone is able to play."

Michael, a soon-to-be ninth-grader at Conestoga Valley High School and a projected member of the Buckskin boys' soccer team, recently got to experience something most soccer fans only get a chance to dream of. On the Fourth of July in historic Philadelphia, Michael served as a flagbearer during a celebratory pregame ceremony prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-16 game between France and Paraguay.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity made possible through the United States' Navy Gold Star program, which supports family members of sailors who died in the line of duty. Michael's dad, Captain David Smith, passed away due to complications from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Italy on March 17, 2013, when Michael was 17 months old.

"I think the best part was the opportunity; not everyone gets to do this," said Lisa Smith, Michael's mom. "When he was walking onto the field, he was taking it all in, and that was one of those core memories. When he was in the tunnel (leading onto the field), he saw all the players. I just know it was a really special moment walking out on the field at a World Cup game and being a part of it."

Following a thorough instruction and training session hours before the start of the World Cup contest, Michael, holding the flag of France, was one of 24 student flagbearers who processed onto the grass of Philadelphia Stadium. The students lined up in a shape that resembled the World Cup trophy.

Michael then got a chance to watch the match between France and Paraguay from the stands.

"It was really fun in general," said Michael, who plays center back and outside back when he's not viewing World Cup games in person. "It's really hard to describe in words. My favorite part was seeing all the players in the tunnel, walking past me.

"When I was there, I was thinking about how cool it was and what was going on in the game," said Michael. "(My dad) was trying to be a part of it, but there were so many things I had to focus on. The whole experience was special."

"I know (David) was watching (Michael) from above," said Lisa. "I know he was proud of him. Something like that makes parents proud of their kids."

Because of his age, Michael doesn't have many recollections of his father. What he does know was passed on to him from Lisa.

"I don't really know anything about him," said Michael, who began playing soccer when he was 3 years old. "My mom says I look like him and I kind of act like him."

"All of our military members serve for a purpose, to protect our freedom and to protect everyone's loved ones," said Lisa. "When we lose our loved ones, our lives don't end; it just looks a little different. Sometimes we get to do things we wouldn't normally get to do. When we do those things, our person is in the forefront of our minds."

For additional information, go to http://www.navygoldstar.com.