By Sgt. Monique Tindal
FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Past and present paratroopers, with the 82nd Airborne Division, honored fallen paratroopers and their families during a memorial ceremony May 19, outside of the 82nd Airborne Division Museum, Fort Bragg, N.C.
The names of more than 200 fallen paratroopers filled the silence in the air as family members and friends rose to their feet in honor of their fallen soldier. Each family member placed a single yellow rose at the base of the global war on terrorism monument, in remembrance.
"For me the message is clear it is not within the deaths of these brave fallen that we find their greatest measure of nobility rather it is within their living days, days marked by sacrifice, duty, service, and faithfulness to their families, friends and comrades in arms," said retired Gen. Dan McNeill, former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Distinguished guests, fellow soldiers, families and friends of the fallen soldiers filled the seats, honoring a legacy of the fallen.
"Their fine mortal acts stood not only as demonstration to the last full measure of devotion but within those deaths there was personification of duty, selflessness, dedication, sacrifice, and love from once a man," said Maj. Gen. Jim Huggins, 82nd Airborne Division commander.
The memorial is an annual ceremony that is held as a part of the All-American Week in honor of the fallen.
"It is a visible reminder of our words that we speak that we'll never forget, from the 82nd Airborne Division for those of us that are here wearing the patch today, I can promise you that we will live up to those words," said Huggins.