Thursday, April 27, 2006
A Tribute To Our Fallen Warriors
Nature’s reverential silence inspired the hearts of comrades gathered for the dedication of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2BCT) Fallen Warriors Memorial on April 16th at Camp Ramadi. Currently 57 names grace the new plaque, and 57 dogtags hang within the obelisk (the names and dog tags of the remaining Fallen Warriors will be added), above the 21st century “Bloody Bucket” of the 28th Infantry Division. After a welcome by Lt. Col. Chris Yeakle, 2 BCT Commander COL John Gronski delivered the first words of the Code of Conduct of the U.S. Military, “I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.” He recounted the honor, courage, commitment, and respect with which our heroes performed their duty, concluding “I will strive not to be saddened by their death, but rather to be inspired by the way they chose to live.”
Designers, 2nd Lt. Colleen McGarry and Spc. Raul Gomez of Company C (Med) 228th Forward Support Battalion made this memorial a creation of their hearts, “built from the heart to be used by the heart.” 2nd Lt. McGarry asks us to “Use the memorial to remember, to grieve, and to heal…Allow it to change your heart when you visit.” The memorial is built of steel blasted by weapons, stone, and shattered glass, each element and shape representing part of our remembrance. 2nd Lt. McGarry continued, “It stands tall as a testament to the unique battle the living fight and the fallen have left.” As one stands before it, this open structure allows the Spirit within us to mingle with the Spirit around us, uniting memories and hopes among comrades, friends, and families.
Further leading us in thankfulness and honor for these lives, Sgt. Irving Addison of the 779th Engineers sang “Amazing Grace”, 1st Lt. Rose Forrest of the Headquarters Company read the roll of names, and 1st Lt. Burke Sorenson of the 2-222nd Field Artillery played “Taps” with his bugle from the roof of the Brigade Tactical Operations Center.
I hope you will visit the Fallen Warriors Memorial in Pennsylvania. I will. As 2nd Lt. McGarry said, “It is you and your heart that will find in it what you seek.” I experienced this event when I visited that evening. Lighted, the colors of the inner steel look afire. By the firelight, there is romance between partners in remembrance, between time in combat by the fallen, and time at home by the family, now united. Even the shapes of blasted holes in the steel, indiscriminate in battle and by day, seem like recognizable figures by night. By this memorial, the mind and heart bring order and creation out of chaos, creating meaning and new life for us survivors.
Also, use your physical senses with your memorial. See it closely and hear the dogtags rustle in the breeze like whispering conversations. Touch the hard metal and feel the power of courage and commitment, honor, duty, and respect. Smell the life of Nature around it, breathe deeply, and taste the tears of grief, lightly yet bravely shed in the renewal of your own dedication.
By: Chaplain Lt. Col. Charles Purinton - Task Force 1-172 Armor Battalion
# posted by Iron Soldiers @ 7:39 PM 
Comments:
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Your strength during adversity is admirable beyond words. Thank you for your service and honoring your fellow Hero's. You all are a blessing to each and every one of us here in the US and abroad.
This memorial is awesome for us to see...
Thanks
This memorial is awesome for us to see...
Thanks
# posted by 
: 7:15 AM
: 7:15 AM
God bless them, and you, for your sacrifice. Keep up your good work.
A fellow Pennsylvanian
A fellow Pennsylvanian
# posted by : 10:41 AM
: 10:41 AM
The Fallen Soldiers Memorial is beautiful!!.. It is exactly as SPC Raul Gomez (our son) described it to us. We are so proud of his contribution in the creation of this historical memorial. (A tribute to the
memory of all the fallen warriors.) Congratulations
to all who had a part in
the building of the memorial.
memory of all the fallen warriors.) Congratulations
to all who had a part in
the building of the memorial.
# posted by : 1:18 PM
: 1:18 PM
May God rest their souls.
Well done good and faithful servants. You have fought the good fight, now receive the royal crown of victory.
Thank God for men and women who are so willing to serve.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Well done good and faithful servants. You have fought the good fight, now receive the royal crown of victory.
Thank God for men and women who are so willing to serve.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Such an awesome touching way to remember Our Heros...
Thank you for this - it is beyond words...
Thank you for this - it is beyond words...
# posted by : 8:21 AM
: 8:21 AM
There are no words to describe the feelings I have right now. All I can say is....wow....God bless and keep them all...
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