Photo By Spc. Jessica Haney | Command Sgt. Maj. Byron O. Loyd, Division Special Troops Battalion command sergeant...... read more read more
Subscribe
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Task Force Marne Soldiers and civilians stationed at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, gathered at Division Main in observance of Memorial Day, May 31. The observance included a memorial video, wreath laying, 21-gun salute, and roll call of 18 fallen TF Marne warriors who died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom 10-12.
"We're here today to celebrate the sacrifices made by American Soldiers throughout our nation's history but in particular during our deployment here in Iraq," said Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Donahue, II, a Fort Bragg, N.C., native and TF Marne deputy commanding general Maneuver. "It's important to remember sacrifices made by these men and women, who have given everything for their country. If we don't celebrate them, we forget, and we'll take for granted the sacrifices they made."
Every individual has their own perception of what Memorial Day means. For Donahue, it means having the chance to remember the men and women he has served with and reflect upon his own actions in the military.
"I remember how important it is; the job I do every day is to make sure I get everything I can to make our Soldiers successful – they can successfully do their job without having to give their lives," he said.
For Sgt. 1st Class Sonya Helring, an Ottawa, Ill., native and intelligence operations non-commissioned officer in charge for Headquarters and Headquarters Operations Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, the observance was a moment for her to remember the sacrifices made by service members before her.
"That's why we're here," she said. "They laid the foundation for us so we can continue a good fight in remembrance of them. It's a day for us to sit back and reflect on their ultimate sacrifice, remember why we're here doing what we do and to continue the tradition of providing freedom."
Families and friends of service members who celebrate Memorial Day at home have a special place in each Soldier's heart because of the support they show for our volunteer military.
"We appreciate what they are doing for us," said Donahue. "And we know that they are also sacrificing to support us here. Without the sacrifice they are making – things they are doing at home, we couldn't do our jobs over here."
In 1868, when Memorial Day was first observed, it was about reconciliation. Today, it's about coming together to honor service members who gave their all defending the United States and its freedom.
Headquarters Grand Army of the Republic national commander Gen. John Logan's General Orders No. 11, Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868, defines the reason why it's important to recognize this day:
The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet church-yard. In this observance, no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. ... Let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the Soldier's and Sailor's widow and orphan.
For TF Marne service members and civilians, it was a fitting service and an opportunity for them to express their gratitude for their comrades' service and sacrifice.
| Date Taken: | 05.31.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.31.2010 12:51 |
| Story ID: | 50595 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 192 |
| Downloads: | 177 |
This work, Task Force Marne pays tribute to fallen warriors, by SPC Jessica Haney, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
