1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

Story by Spc.

Spc. Ricardo Branch
1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – Troops and civilians alike gathered in the Camp Ramadi dining facility for a Memorial Day service Monday.

The dining facility was filled with a sea of digital camouflage who all came together to pay tribute to the fallen servicemembers of our nation's history.

"It's important to take the time out and remember fallen warriors of our past for their sacrifice," said Col. John Charlton, 1st Brigade Combat Team commander. "We always say that we'll never forger the fallen, and here at Ramadi we've had a lot of ceremonies to remember them."

Although many service members in Ramadi have paid the ultimate price, Charlton believes some good has come from the valiant sacrifices.

"As you drive around Ramadi, you see children being able to play on the streets, people returning to the mosques to worship and locals once again able to go into marketplaces to shop – what we've done here is important."

He said that with remembering the fallen people we must not forget their families left behind at home who've suffered as well.

"It's very important to remember there are grieving families as well," Charlton said. "We need to think about them and remember them in our prayers as well."

Despite their own hectic schedules and the hot climates, service members came in from patrol or left their offices to spend a few minutes in reflection for the men and women before them who answered the call and gave their all.

"I believe we have to remember our fallen comrades who've paid the price," said Spc. Khemera Sam, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team. "If I die I'd want to be remembered for paying the price."

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