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Subscribe to RSSA 10-year-old boy changes his name to honor his father, a policeman slain in the line of duty. KXAS reporter Scott Gordon has the story.
Six years after Fort Worth police officer Henry "Hank" Nava was killed in the line of duty, his young son has found a way to honor him forever.
"I just really wanted to carry on the name," he said. "And my dad would have wanted me to."
Justin Henry Nava was just 4 years old when his father was shot on November 29, 2005, while attempting to arrest a wanted ex-convict. He died two days later.
"I really don't remember a lot about dad," he said.
Now 10 years old, he wanted to legally change his name to Henry Nava III.
His mother said she ignored his request at first.
"It became a weekly question: 'When am I going to be able to do this?'" Teresa Nava-Salazar said. "Then it got to be a daily thing."
She called a lawyer who scheduled an appointment with a judge.
This report first appeared at nbcdfw.com
Justin was required to put his request in writing.
"Dear Judge, my name is Justin Henry Nava," he wrote. "I would like to change my name to Henry Nava III. ... My dad died on 12-1-05 in the line of duty. And it would be my honor to have his name. Thank you. Justin Nava."
The judge granted the name change in a hearing last month.
"Now I sort of have two birthdays," Justin said with a smile.
His mother said she "nixed" his father's request to name him Henry Nava III when he was born, and the couple compromised on Justin Henry Nava.
She said she fully supports the new name now.
"You can tell he's really proud to have that name ever since the judge said it was official," Nava-Salazar said. "You can tell it means a lot to him to have his daddy's name."
Asked how he feels, Henry Nava III answered simply, "Good, just good."
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What an amazing young man.
I sort of feel like I wanna cry alluva sudden. ; ;
The same thing just happened to me.
what a thoughtful, genuine gesture!!
He sounds like a really nice young boy.
Eyes welled up! What a great young boy!
That's so wonderful what he did in his dad's honor.
Henry Nava III, I think your father would be honored and proud!
Good for him. His dad would be proud!
Finally, a great story. Henry III, you are an inspiration. May you live a long, prosperous life and make your Dad and Mom even more proud. God Bless!!!
P.S. I am also VERY glad that the judge had the good sense to grant the request and not draw the process out!
Now that is a heartwarming story! Way to go young man...
Very Nice story, thanks for sharing.
How ironic that your father wanted to share his name with you at your birth. I'll bet he's smiling now. Almost one of those "nah nah nah-nah" moments. I am pretty sure he is so very proud of you. God Bless you, young man, and God Bless your attentive Mom for actually listening to you and realizing this wasn't just the whining and a whim of an immature boy. This was a definitive, sensitive, honorable decision of a well adjusted young man. God Bless you and your Mom and I pray He keeps watch over you both always.
Hank, you are going to go far in life. I'm sure that your father will be pleased to see what you do with his namesake.
Well his father is dead so i dont see him ever knowing any of this. I think kids at school will call him a copy cat. . . .
Michae - I think that any kid will see why he did this.
Since neither of us are dead and never have been, we do not know what his father knows - do we? This action is to pay respect to the father. If he knows or not, the respect is there.
How dare you MichaelH2011. You must have been picked on as a child growing up and by the "2011" in your name, you must have just graduated high school, so bullying is still fresh on your minuscule mind!
This young man wants to honor his father's name and how great of a way to do such! This boy did not get the luxury of knowing his father past his childhood and this is way to keep his memory and spirit alive inside of him. I am proud of this young man for having such a caring heart! I am glad to know that there are still loving, caring, kind hearted, family oriented, proud people in this day and age!!
MichaelH2011, you are an idiot!
Good for you kid. It's a wonderful gesture. Mom you must be proud.
A very, very noble act.
Damn story...Made my eyes water...And I aint no girly man!
Good job kid...Your father would be proud.
Wow, he's not only very intelligent, but he has a big heart in wanting to honor his dad. I wish Henry Nava III and his family the best in life.
Our scriptures are pretty clear on this....Honor thy Father & Mother. Well done young man.
That's not exactly what the Scriptures say...might want to give the Old Testament a gander.
But this was a lovely story regardless. His mother should be so proud.
Our scripture are pretty clear on this one,.....Honor thy Father & Mother. Well done young man.
Well done, Henry Nava III. Your Dad made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and you have honored him and his memory beautifully. I wish all good things for you and your family.
Every mother of a son wishes for a son like this.
Every dad, too, I'd say.
Sweet kid. Your father is smiling down from heaven.
Wow, what a story. Reminds us that there is good left in this world.
We need more stories like this making it to our eyes & ears. It reaffirms my faith in people and the future- Great job Hank.
... I think they will pull his underwear over his head, take his lunch money, and possibly call him "Hank the crank."
you are an idiot. But I'm sure that's not the first time you've heard that. Today.
this boy has more courage, conviction and sense than any politician in this country.
Sounds like a potential future President of the USA.
Stay strong, and never stop believing in what you think is right, young man. your dad would be very proud.
God bless you all Nava familyl....Hank, I know your father would be very proud of you!!! YOU GO BOY!!