The memorial, which holds the names of more than 80 Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation, was recently completed at the Walk of Honor, with the help of funds raised by the local community.
“Today is a great day to celebrate, not one, but 80 heroes that are up on that wall ” said Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Tinker, the operation non commissioned officer with the 3rd Brigade. “They will be forever remembered by anyone who comes down here and take a look at the sacrifices that they have made ”
“This area is free and open to the public ” said Tinker. “They can come down here any time that they want ”
Col. Michael J. Simmering, the commander of the 3rd BCT was the keynote speaker for the dedication.
“(This) ceremony today is not about our brigade deactivating ” said Simmering. “This is about something bigger. And quite honestly, it’s about perspective. It’s about us, as a unit, the installation, and the community, taking a single moment out of our busy schedules to acknowledge that our recent time here at Fort Benning, represents a small and insignificant portion of the legacy that those who came before us left behind. It’s a legacy that was born of sweat, born of blood, and embodied by the sacrifices of so many who came before us ”
Before the 3rd BCT inactivated April 15, Simmering and the brigade staff were intent on having the new memorial built in order for the public to continue having access to it, Tinker said.
“We must ensure that not only can the loved ones and those who bled alongside these heroes reach these sacred sites, but we must also ensure that we do not let others forget that the freedom they cherish so dearly, came with a heavy price and can never be taken for granted ” said Simmering.
“The names of 80 fallen heroes of this nation are on that wall ” said Simmering. “They represent the best our nation has to offer. They represent a portion of the population who in the face of a threat to our nation chose to answer the call. They represent sons, daughters, husbands, fathers, wives, mothers, all who put their service to this country before themselves and paid the ultimate sacrifice ”