By Pfc. Monica K. Smith
3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, Public Affairs Office

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Soldiers of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, took the opportunity to remember fallen comrades during a Memorial Day Remembrance May 26 at the CAB flight line dining facility in Baghdad.

"This is a time to remember our fallen colleagues," said Chaplain (Capt.) Felix Kumai, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment. "We are in this together and we wanted to memorialize the memory of them."

The Memorial Day observance honored fallen service members but also invited Soldiers to remember loved ones, family members and friends who passed away, Kumai said.

The observance took place on the second floor of the dining facility and was open to anyone wanting to reflect and pray. Soldiers arrived at the dining facility during normal meal-times and remained as long as they desired.

"For me it's important to never forget the sacrifices that are required for freedom," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joseph Woiwode, Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment.

Woiwode said this freedom is evident in the American homes, and happening right now in the homes of Iraqi citizens through the sacrifices made by fighting service members.

"It's important that we never forget the cost of freedom," He said.

Chaplains were present to give support to Soldiers. The vigil began at midnight on May 25 and continued till midnight of Memorial Day with a chaplain from the brigade praying once every six hours.

"We pray for them to have peace and be united with God," Kumai said. "They have made the ultimate sacrifice and it is our prayer that our Soldiers, which have fallen ... will be the seed on which a new Iraq is built."

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