As names of fallen Sailors were read aloud, a bell was rung to honor them.
Then the bells were sounded four times for those fallen Sailors not mentioned to honor their sacrifices. The brief ceremony was held onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda Sept. 21 for the second year.
“We’re gathered here today for two reasons: First a duty to those who served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice, second, today on Gold Star Mothers and Families Day, we remember the tremendous sacrifices made by those who are left behind — the nation’s Gold Star Families” said NSAB Executive Director Bill Meekins. “We remember and honor those who have lost a son, a daughter, a husband, a wife, a mother, or a father while actively serving in the US Armed Forces. The names we call out today represent just a few of the many who have given their lives for our great nation.”
Before the names were read by Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Joebert Bierman and Master-at-Arms Seaman Gloria Garza, a moment of silence was held for the deceased service members.
“We’re going to ask you take a moment of silence and just think about a person you know, a family or friend that you lost for the ultimate sacrifice of country,” said NSAB Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Christilene Whalen. “And if you have not then most of us have been touched by someone who has, so take a moment of silence and pray for that family and think about that family and lift them up in your hearts today as we begin this remembrance.”
NSAB joined other installations in remembering the service members who died while on active duty. The ceremony is held around Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day, which observed annually on the last Sunday in September.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2017 10:55 |
| Story ID: | 250011 |
| Location: | BETHESDA, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, "Bells Across America" Ring for Service Members, by Andrew Damstedt, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
