Natick observes moment of silence for Maj. Gen. Greene

By Bob Reinert/USAG-Natick Public AffairsAugust 8, 2014

Natick observes moment of silence for Maj. Gen. Greene
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Natick observes moment of silence for Maj. Gen. Greene
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Natick observes moment of silence for Maj. Gen. Greene
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NATICK, Mass. (Aug. 8, 2014) -- On a beautiful August morning that matched their former commander's sunny disposition, the Natick Soldier Systems Center community gathered in front of the headquarters building Aug. 8 to remember Maj. Gen. Harold J. "Harry" Greene.

Greene, 55, the deputy commander of the Combined Security Transition Command, had been killed Aug. 5 in an attack at Marshal Fahim National Defense University in Afghanistan. He had commanded NSSC from August 2009 to May 2011.

Christine Marsh, deputy to NSSC's current commander, Brig. Gen. William E. Cole, who was away, addressed the workforce as the ceremony began.

"Our moment of silence is a way to honor him," Marsh said. "His family has been made aware of what we're doing this morning. They greatly appreciate the fact that you're taking time out of your busy day to honor him in this manner."

Marsh was followed by Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Griffith. Before observing the moment of silence, Griffith told those in attendance that he was available to them.

"I want to mention for those of you who have been affected by this, that I am at your service," Griffith said. "You don't need an appointment. Please just walk in, and know that you'll have a listening ear in this difficult time."

After the moment of silence, Griffith offered this prayer:

"Almighty God, we thank you for General Greene, for a life well lived, the dedication he showed to our country. We pray that you would be to us, his co-workers and friends, that peace that passes all understanding in this time of suffering and grief.

"We ask for his family -- for his wife, for his children -- that you would be the God of all comfort that would care for them in this dark hour.

"Lord, we ask that we would all know your love and that in the coming days you would replace the tears of sorrow with joyful memories, that we might celebrate his life as we mourn his passing."

Marsh then announced that a memorial service would be held for Greene Aug. 13 at the Pentagon. She added that a remembrance ceremony would take place Aug. 21 at NSSC.

After the ceremony, many paused in front of the screen in the headquarters lobby to view images of Greene during his time at NSSC.