Fallen Soldiers’ living memorial re-forged in the fires of the Eastern Redbud

Photo By Staff Sgt. Richard Wrigley | Gold Star family members watch the fire take hold during a special tree-burning ceremony held here on Cottrell Field, Dec. 12. Surrounding Cottrell field is Warriors Walk, a living memorial that has had an Eastern Redbud tree planted in memory of each fallen Soldier, since the conflicts began. Unfortunately due to environmental considerations, the Eastern Redbuds were struggling, and it was decided that replacing them with white crape myrtles would be the best solution. To do this in the most respectful way possible, the senior leadership of the 3rd ID decided to burn them in a solemn ceremony modeled after the ceremony normally held to dispose of an American flag after it becomes unsuitable to display. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Richard Wrigley 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, Public Affairs NCOIC)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

12.16.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Richard Wrigley 

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

FORT STEWART, Ga. - “Tonight we are here to solemnly and ceremoniously end the fantastic service of these Eastern Redbud trees, that have anchored - indeed, given root to the hopes and prayers of friends and of loved ones for our fallen heroes,” said Brig. Gen. James Blackburn, commander, Task Force Marne, 3rd Infantry Division, during his remarks at a special ceremony held here on Cottrell Field, Dec. 12.

Since April of 2003, officials at Fort Stewart have been planting an Eastern Redbud tree as a living memorial dedicated to every Soldier who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the recent Iraqi and Afghan campaigns.

The resulting grove of 468 trees has been aptly named Warriors Walk.

The trees were originally chosen for their symbolism, annually blooming roughly the same time Operation Iraqi Freedom first started, and blooming a vibrant purple, similar in color to that of the purple heart medal earned by Soldiers wounded in combat.

Unfortunately, as the years have passed, officials came to realize due the southern-coastal climate, soil composition and other environmental factors, that the Eastern Redbud was simply not suited for the region.

That is why, with great difficulty, the 3rd ID’s senior leadership came to the decision to replace the Eastern Redbuds with the White Crape Myrtle, a tree that should thrive in the area.

According to installation officials, the choice was made foremost with the Families and friends of the fallen heroes in mind, as they worried that when loved ones came to visit their Soldier’s tree, they would arrive at Warriors Walk to find it in poor health or worse.

“As we pay tribute to these Eastern Redbuds, we look forward to the sustainable living memorial that the White Crape Myrtles provide us,” Blackburn said.

Indeed, the tribute was fitting of the occasion. The ceremony was modeled after the ceremony used to retire an American flag, a ceremony filled with honor and dignity.

During the early stages of the Warriors Walk rebuild process, each Soldier’s tree was made available to their respective Family members to transplant or handle in some other way as they saw fit. The rest were prepared to be burned in honor of and in memory of the fallen Soldiers.

Many Family members attended, and it could be seen that emotions ran high throughout the ceremony.

Linda and Gene Lamie were in attendance. Their son, Sgt. Gene Lamie, was killed in action in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on July 6, 2007.

While they opted to transplant their son’s tree to their property, they were also very invested in the entire memorial, finding a deep connection with the memorial and the trees.

“We’ve come out every year since our son’s tree was dedicated in 2007 to lay a wreath at his tree,” said Linda. “Gene and I decorate every one of these trees [with ornaments] for Christmas every year before the Wreaths for Warriors Walk ceremony.”

Linda went on to describe in even greater detail her and her husband’s connection with the Eastern Redbuds.

“These trees burning tonight, we’ve decorated them for birthdays, for Christmas’ and for the anniversaries of their deaths,” said Linda. “We’ve sung happy birthday to a fallen Soldier beneath these trees, and we’ve brought pictures of his baby and placed them on these trees…a lot of love went into these trees, and a lot of memories.”

You could see what must have been similar thoughts cross many of the minds of Family members in attendance by the raw emotion displayed on their faces in the glow of the burning tribute.

“Anything that belonged to your child is a piece of them, so although I’m very grateful that they are replacing the trees for ones that will be stronger and thrive here, there is still a sense of loss,” explained Linda.

“In the end though, I know my son would have been honored by this ceremony…we’re very happy with the new trees and very thankful they are showing such a great respect for the Eastern Redbuds -- this is a very honorable way to replace them and we are grateful for that and glad to be a part of it.”

In continuing their efforts to make the transition from Eastern Redbud to White Crape Myrtle as respectful and noble as possible, the ashes of the Eastern Redbuds were offered to the Families the next day to take with them and/or spread at the base of the Soldiers’ new living memorial tree, their White Crape Myrtle.

• Date Taken: 12.16.2014
• Date Posted: 12.16.2014 02:32
• Story ID: 150398
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US