Born 24 October 1981, to parents Nancy Smyth and David Kennedy, Adam was a shining angel. His smile hit the hearts of so many people over the next 25 years of his life. Not to say Adam was always perfect. He could definitely be a little devilish when he wanted to, especially when it came to his little brother, Colin. Needless to say, ever since he was a little boy he had some type of uniform on, and they were usually fatigues. He was meant to serve our country.

As a cub scout he learned the basics of survival. As a member of the football, wrestling, weight lifting, and track teams at Xaverian High School he learned physical conditioning, leadership, stamina, and how to work with others as a team. He also grew in faith as a religious mentor and through community service during his personal time.

After graduating in 2000 from Xaverian it was no surprise that Adam chose to attend Norwich University, in Northfield, Vermont. A higher level of discipline and commitment, Adam's sense of duty shined through his years at Norwich as a member of the Corps of Cadets. He guided younger students in their training as he always felt the need to help others. These peers elected him to the honor committee as they saw his code of conduct for what it was worth. He studied computer science, enjoyed rock climbing, and also became a member of the Mountain Cold Weather Rescue Team while at the university. After leaving Norwich University, Adam joined the Army and completed 11C Mortarman training with Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry.

After successful completion of OSUT with Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 50th, Infantry "Fix Bayonets", SGT Kennedy went on to complete Airborne training before moving on to his first duty assignment with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

SGT Kennedy left for Iraq in the fall of 2006. He reenlisted for another six years just before he came home for a short break in 2006. On 8 April 2007, at the age of 25, SGT Kennedy was killed by an IED while in his Humvee in Diwaniyah, 25 miles south of Baghdad. He died doing what he wanted to do and he lived his childhood dream. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, and Combat Infantryman Badge. He is buried in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton, MA, and survived by his parents, four siblings and other relatives.

Honor, Courage, Determination, Humor, Friendship, and Faith, but most importantly a Hero. These are the characteristics and qualities of SGT Adam P. Kennedy that are displayed by the memorial stone placed at the corner of Union and Grove Streets in his hometown of Norfolk, MA