ATHENS, Ala. -- Lt. Gen. Larry Wyche and the communities of Athens and Limestone County will never forget.
"We will always remember -- some gave, and some gave all," said Wyche, Redstone Arsenal senior commander. "Today we stop to remember them. To remember our fallen comrades, as well as their families, honor them, and remember what they lived for and what they died for. Let us all be sure that they did not die in vain by doing our part to keep this nation safe and strong."
Wyche served as the guest speaker for the Memorial Day Ceremony in Athens Monday.
Having stood at the ramp many times saluting a flag-draped casket, and having spoken the words, "On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service," Wyche understands the real meaning of Memorial Day.
The community of Athens, too, knows all too well the cost of freedom, having lost two of their own -- Pfc. Ricky Lee Turner, 20, in 2009, and Lance Cpl. Adam Loggins, 27, in 2007 -- in Iraq. Wyche paid special tribute to the community's two fallen heroes, as well as the men and women who loved them, many of whom wiped away tears at the mention of Turner's and Loggins' names.
"This town has felt the hurt, but understands that freedom isn't free," Wyche said. "It has real sacrifices, and in the case of Adam and Ricky, their sacrifice was their lives. We honor them and their entire families for their many sacrifices. We honor all of our veterans and their families, and their many sacrifices. To their mothers, fathers, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, thank you. Thank you for that burden that you continue to carry. Thank you for your many sacrifices, and thank you for your unwavering drive to the city of Athens, and this nation, and for reminding us that we will always be indebted to Adam and Ricky, and their families, who gave their lives for us and this country."
In addition to Wyche's remarks, the ceremony also honored the nation's fallen heroes with the placing of wreaths, a recognition of Gold Star Mothers, roll call of veterans who have died within the past year, rifle salute and Taps.
"It is so important that we take the time today to remember those who gave their lives for our country," Wyche said. "As said by president Calvin Coolidge, 'A nation which forgets its defenders will be forgotten itself.' We of course cannot let that happen. The people of Athens, our nation and the world itself is counting on us. And we will never, we will never forget."
Social Sharing