2nd BCT FRG Memorial Day Messages
The Desert Strike FRG site has two new Memorial Day related postings. One is a speech delivered by 2nd BCT Commander Col Gary Patton "as part of the Strike Force Memorial Day Ceremony and Strike Force Memorial Fountain and Gazebo dedication." A few quotes and observations:
- 82 Soldiers, Marines, and supporting National Guardsmen have been killed in Iraq serving under 2nd BCT command.
- The National Guard Units supporting the 2nd BCT are the Ohio-based 983rd and Iowa-based 224th Engineer Battalions.
- "Today, we are the new generation of veterans. And we serve in places like Ramadi, Khalidiyah, Tammin, and Jazeera, fighting another fight to keep people free. Like our forefathers, we have our own victories to celebrate, our own nightmares to endure, and our own tragedies to remember. And we have our own special and private memories of our fallen comrades. These men were sons, fathers, and friends. These men were athletes, musicians, world travelers, computer gamers, financial investors, barracks pranksters, future generals and first sergeants. Most of all they were Soldiers, who fought valiantly with great courage and bravery, in some cases giving their lives to save the lives of fellow soldiers. And they were our brothers. I, like all of you, miss them dearly. But today is not a day to mourn their loss. It is a day to remember and celebrate their lives, re-live the shared memories, feel their spirits, pump up with pride by boasting of your brotherhood. It is a day to thank our God for being privileged to have known and served by the side of these great Americans. In their memory, today’s Memorial Day is a time to strengthen our resolve, renew our commitments, and affirm our dedication in the service to our nation, just as our fallen comrades would want. Rest in peace Warriors.
The 2nd Desert Strike FRG post are notes from the Command Sergeant Major's comments. One quote: "Our fallen comrade's memories are very near to us. Many of the Strike Force Team who will participate in the Memorial dedication will speak on the behalf of a fellow comrade who was their bunk mate, team leader, squad leader or platoon leader in a not so long ago combat operation in which their comrade was morally wounded. This Memorial dedication is not just a ceremony but part of our healing process. We must remember what our fallen comrades gave their lives for and stand daily to honor their memory by our actions."
The FRG site also has pictures of the dedication ceremony and memorial Gazebo.
- 82 Soldiers, Marines, and supporting National Guardsmen have been killed in Iraq serving under 2nd BCT command.
- The National Guard Units supporting the 2nd BCT are the Ohio-based 983rd and Iowa-based 224th Engineer Battalions.
- "Today, we are the new generation of veterans. And we serve in places like Ramadi, Khalidiyah, Tammin, and Jazeera, fighting another fight to keep people free. Like our forefathers, we have our own victories to celebrate, our own nightmares to endure, and our own tragedies to remember. And we have our own special and private memories of our fallen comrades. These men were sons, fathers, and friends. These men were athletes, musicians, world travelers, computer gamers, financial investors, barracks pranksters, future generals and first sergeants. Most of all they were Soldiers, who fought valiantly with great courage and bravery, in some cases giving their lives to save the lives of fellow soldiers. And they were our brothers. I, like all of you, miss them dearly. But today is not a day to mourn their loss. It is a day to remember and celebrate their lives, re-live the shared memories, feel their spirits, pump up with pride by boasting of your brotherhood. It is a day to thank our God for being privileged to have known and served by the side of these great Americans. In their memory, today’s Memorial Day is a time to strengthen our resolve, renew our commitments, and affirm our dedication in the service to our nation, just as our fallen comrades would want. Rest in peace Warriors.
The 2nd Desert Strike FRG post are notes from the Command Sergeant Major's comments. One quote: "Our fallen comrade's memories are very near to us. Many of the Strike Force Team who will participate in the Memorial dedication will speak on the behalf of a fellow comrade who was their bunk mate, team leader, squad leader or platoon leader in a not so long ago combat operation in which their comrade was morally wounded. This Memorial dedication is not just a ceremony but part of our healing process. We must remember what our fallen comrades gave their lives for and stand daily to honor their memory by our actions."
The FRG site also has pictures of the dedication ceremony and memorial Gazebo.
posted by Ryan Kirk @ 6:48 AM
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