Spartans honor fallen Soldiers

Photo By Dustin Gautney | Sfc. Nakoa Knotts, 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd HBCT, 3rd ID, renders a salute to fallen comrades while serving as the rifle team leader during a Memorial Day ceremony held at COS Marez/Diamond, May 31.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, IRAQ

05.31.2010

Story by Spc. Dustin Gautney 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – For many Americans, Memorial Day is a day for cookouts and beaches. However for U.S. Soldiers, it's a somber occasion, as many Soldiers reflect upon coworkers, friends, brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

For the 2nd "Spartan" Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers' deployed to Contingency Operating Site Marez/Diamondback in northern Iraq, the celebration touched close to home as the Spartans honored their own fallen warriors during a ceremony held at the Community Activity Center, May 31.

"For many Americans, Memorial Day is for family outings, cookouts, and going to the beach, all while being thankful for their American freedoms and democracy. However for those of us in uniform, it's the time to reflect, in our own ways, on those friends, Family and comrades who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for the cause of freedom over the years," said guest speaker Task Force Marne Deputy Commanding General Support Brig. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal.

In honoring Task Force Marne's 20 fallen Soldiers who've perished during the current deployment to Iraq, Vandal said it's the responsibility of all Soldiers to carry the torch of freedom for their fallen comrades.

"It is our responsibility to live a life worthy of their sacrifice. The world is a better place because of the sacrifices Soldiers have made for their country," said Vandal. "The world we live in would not be the same were it not for the sacrifice of these, and all brave Soldiers."

Sfc. Nakoa Knotts, 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd HBCT, 3rd ID, agreed Memorial Day is an especially important day to reflect on the sacrifices of fellow Soldiers who died for their country.

"Memorial Day is a day I reflect on my past years of service and remember those who I served with," said Knotts, a 12-year Army veteran, and a Grafton, W.Va., native.

"It's our responsibility as Soldiers to carry on the message of freedom, and to honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice," Knotts said.

• Date Taken: 05.31.2010
• Date Posted: 06.03.2010 08:09
• Story ID: 50773
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, IQ