3rd ID pauses to remember fallen soldiers comrades

Photo By Spc. Jennifer Gosch | Brig. Gen. Tom Vandal, deputy commanding general Support of Task Force Marne, hosted a Memorial Day ceremony at the Forward Operating Base Marez Community Activities Center, May 31. The Ceremony honored all fallen Soldiers, and recognized Task Force Marne Soldiers killed while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, IRAQ

05.31.2010

Story by Pvt. Jennifer Gosch 

135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq – A Memorial Day Ceremony was held, May 31, at the Forward Operating Base Marez Community Activities Center. The ceremony was hosted by Brig. Gen. Tom Vandal, the deputy commanding general Support of U.S. Division North.

The CAC fell silent as the program began and Brig. Gen. Vandal addressed Soldiers of Task Force Marne.

"It is a solemn honor to be here with my fellow Soldiers to celebrate Memorial Day to recognize the sacrifice made by the heroes who preceded us. For many Americans across the United States, Memorial Day weekend marks the end of the school year, the beginning of summer vacations, and a three-day holiday complete with BBQ's, cookouts and beaches. However, for our service men and women, it is a day far more meaningful, far more somber, particularly for those of us who have or are deployed to a combat theater. It is a time for each of us to pause and reflect upon those fellow Soldiers, comrades in arms, friends that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation," said Vandal.

Among those recognized at the service was fallen Soldier Spc. William Blount, who was killed by an improvised explosive device in Mosul, Iraq, April 7.

"While he is no longer with us, his memory lives on, especially with his wife Amanda, and his daughter, Avery, born this month, who sadly he never had the opportunity to meet," said Vandal of Spc. Blount.

A video was played at the ceremony recognizing fallen Soldiers of Task Force Marne, in which Soldiers described what Memorial Day means to them.

For two Task Force Marne Soldiers, the ceremony was a chance to personally honor their fallen comrades. Spc. Erik Palacios and Staff Sgt. John Snell participated in the ceremony, saying goodbye to Staff Sgt. Richard Jordan who died March 16 of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over, and Staff Sgt. Esau S.A. Gonzales, who died May 3 of injuries sustained from a non–combat related incident.

"It's important to honor them in this way," Palacios said.

"As we continue the mission they laid down their lives for in Iraq, we must vow to live a life worth of their sacrifice," said Vandal.

After the three-volley salute rang out and the final role call was given, the ceremony was concluded with a prayer and the Soldiers and guests were invited to stay for refreshments and comradeship.

• Date Taken: 05.31.2010
• Date Posted: 06.02.2010 09:19
• Story ID: 50707
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, IQ