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Three memorials in one day

Jun-27-2007 » Filed Under: 4/2 SBCT

MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune

Fort Lewis held two more memorial ceremonies Tuesday to pay tribute to its soldiers killed in Iraq, and another to remember a soldier who left the post last year to volunteer for duty in Afghanistan.

For the moment, Fort Lewis has completed all the memorial ceremonies for the post’s soldiers whose deaths have been announced by the Department of Defense.

Officials said another 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division soldier was killed last weekend, but said they could release no information until an announcement by the Pentagon.

At Tuesday’s ceremonies:

• The 4th Brigade remembered three more of its soldiers killed in its nearly two months in Iraq: Sgt. Cory M. Endlich, 23, Sgt. Danny R. Soto, 24, and Cpl. Zachary A. Grass, 22.

[...]

The morning 4th Brigade ceremony had the symbolic representations that go into every Army memorial. There were three rifles with bayonets, pointing down, each with a helmet and identification tags and pair of combat boots.

These days the display has become as potent a symbol of military service to the nation as Arlington National Cemetery itself, said Maj. Chad Sundem, the 4th Brigade rear detachment commander.

“The inverted rifle with bayonet attached signal a time for prayer and reflection. The combat boots represent the final march to the last battle,” Sundem said.

“Lately our nation has been moved by this repeated image honoring thousands of soldiers, with portraits accompanying, gently bringing this collection to life.”

[...]

Related Article:

3 memorials held to honor fallen soldiers (includes video) - KOMO 4 News


Comments For "Three memorials in one day":

May God bless and comfort these families. They are in my thoughts and prayers. Their soldiers are true American heros who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and security.

Richard's Stryker mom

Posted by: strykermom [TypeKey Profile Page] | June 28, 2007 8:09 AM

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