FORT DRUM, N.Y. (July 2, 2015) -- With dark rain clouds gathering overhead and reflecting the somber mood of the occasion, Soldiers, Family Members and guests filled the tents and bleachers in Memorial Park to honor six 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers whose lives were lost in 2014 during Fort Drum's annual Mountain Remembrance ceremony on June 23.
The ceremony opened with the playing of the national anthem and the invocation given by Lt. Col. Gary Fisher, division chaplain.
Then, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno, along with Maj. Gen Jeffrey L. Bannister, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander; Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney "Ray" Lewis, 10th Mountain Division (LI) senior enlisted adviser; and retired Col. Mike Plummer, president of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, walked to a newly installed plaque bearing the names of the fallen being honored. They saluted the plaque, which will remain in Memorial Park as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice these brave men made.
Before introducing Odierno, Bannister thanked everyone for attending. He also thanked Gen. and Mrs. Odierno for their steadfast support of Gold Star Families across the nation. Bannister recognized these Family Members who had traveled from near and far to attend the ceremony.
"For the 91 Gold Star Family Members who are here today that have lost a loved one in defense of our great nation -- you are the distinguished guests," he said.
Bannister said that these Family Members modeled courage, perseverance and resiliency as they supported their loved ones, allowing them to focus on accomplishing the mission.
"Many believe that only those who have taken the oath to protect and defend our Constitution against all enemies understand the true cost of freedom," he said. "I'd add that the Families of those that serve understand that cost as well."
When Bannister concluded his remarks, Odierno took his place in front of the Military Mountaineers Monument. Behind him waved the flags of every major unit in the 10th Mountain Division, some cased as these units are currently deployed.
Odierno spoke of the storied history of the 10th Mountain Division. He said that from the mountains of Italy to Operation Desert Storm to operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Soldiers of the division have always been ready to serve.
"You've been the strength and the foundation of the United States response in both (Iraq and Afghanistan)," he said. "Whenever necessary, this division has climbed to glory to answer the nation's call."
He said it should be noted that each Soldier who serves in the Army makes a commitment to selfless service, even if it means giving their lives.
"It's important for us to remember that all our Soldiers -- including all the Soldiers here -- volunteered because they wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves," he said. "They see that it's important to protect our very freedoms that we all have an opportunity to enjoy on a daily basis. And yet, some pay the ultimate sacrifice for these freedoms, like so many have during our nation's history."
He also spoke of the great sacrifice that every military Family Member endures during long and often frequent deployments and separations from loved ones.
"No service member stands alone," he said. "Our service members proudly go in harm's way, but in many ways, our Families go with them."
Odierno said he has had opportunity to speak to many Gold Star Families over the years, and the resounding statement he hears from them is that their Soldiers loved what they did and loved those with whom they served.
"They fought for the men and women to their left and their right," he said. "They were committed to their mission, their unit and the Army, and they stood up for our nation that they believed in."
Odierno said that the greatest tribute one could pay to fallen heroes was to remember them.
"We will never be able to repay them for their sacrifice, nor can we ever repay their Families for their personal sacrifice," he said. "We can do just a little bit by carrying on their memories and understanding that we must never forget who they were, what they stood for and how much we appreciate their sacrifice."
The names of the deceased, appearing in chronological order, are as follows: Spc. Christian J. Chandler, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team; Sgt. Shawn M. Farrell II, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team; Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner, Headquarters, U.S. Army National Guard; Spc. Kerry M.G. Danyluk, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team; Pfc. Joshua A. Gray, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI); and Spc. Terry J. Hurne, 710th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
After a 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, a bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace," a moment of silence and the benediction, Families and loved ones stepped forward to view the new monument inscribed with the names of their fallen warriors.
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