FORT RILEY, Kan. - Under a clear, quiet blue sky, children of fallen Soldiers were called up one by one to receive medals in honor of their father's service and sacrifice during a Ceremony of Remembrance Sept. 11 at Fort Riley.
In total, 15 children from six Families were recognized and presented with gold medallions and engraved dog tags by Brig. Gen. David Petersen, 1st Inf. Div. deputy commanding general - rear, and 1st Inf. Div. rear Command Sgt. Maj. Darrell Wallace.
"This group of young men and women have made a sacrifice no child should make and that's the loss of a parent and they've suffered greatly," Petersen said.
The medal was a gold U.S. Army Seal engraved with the words "Fort Riley Remembers" to symbolize Fort Riley's commitment to the Families of fallen warriors.
"It is important on this day that we do this recognition, the day that has a lasting impact with all that occurred nine years ago," said Col. Kevin Brown, garrison commander. "Our nation will continue to feel the impact of 9/11, but none more than the Soldiers and Families who have bore the burden of restoring security to our nation and our world."
Brown said Fort Riley has put forth efforts to help ease the pain of a loss of a parent by offering support and services.
"We remain keenly aware of the burden of your sacrifices, and we remain focused on the needs of the United States Army to continue to provide the very best to you," Brown said.
Survivor Outreach Services, he said, provides support for the Families of fallen Soldiers and has events to help share their grief and meet other Families in similar circumstances.
"In a very real sense, the care that we provide gives us a tangible example why we should reaffirm within each and every part of our organization and each and every one of our hearts the importance in what we strive for each day and that is providing a dignified, safe, healthy, supportive life for Soldiers and Families who have given so much. These children deserve no less," Brown said.
The children receiving medals were Elyssa and Anthony Armstrong, on behalf of Sgt. Dominic Sacco; Kobe and Jason Stephen Ward on behalf of Pvt. Jason Ward; Megan, Brianna, Robert, Meredith and Justice Kesinger on behalf of Spc. James Kesinger; Robert and Noel Dunham on behalf of Sgt. First Class Robert Dunham; Grace and Kathryn Doster on behalf of Sgt. First Class James Doster; and Rebekah and Thomas "TJ" Felts on behalf of Col. Thomas Felts.
"Children, I want you to know that this nation will forever honor, cherish and remember the great legacy that your parents did for this nation, and as we reflect upon the lives of your parents we sense a deep patriotic passion these individuals had for their county," Petersen said. "They loved their Families, they loved the Army and they loved this country. We honor the commitment and determination, these warriors gave everything for life, liberty and happiness, now that's something that many Americans take for granted; we live that every day because of their sacrifices."
Rebekah Felts, who was honored during the event, said she appreciated the ceremony.
"The ceremony is something unique, and I am honored to be part of it," she said. "Our dad was honored, and it means so much that so many people are here for us."
Rebekah travelled with her brother, Thomas, and their mother, Kim, to be at the ceremony.
"When I was given the medal and spoken to privately by Brig. Gen. Petersen he said that I would always be part of the Army Family and they'd be there for me," Thomas Felts said.
Kim Felts said it was nice to see the "Big Red One" patch again.
"We think of the Big Red One as our unit, even though we weren't stationed here," she said.
"Your parents made the ultimate sacrifice in service of a noble cause. Simply, they were good men. Their children are their legacy and a beautiful reminder of what they lived life for and the freedom and the security that they fought and served for. We all need that reminder, to keep us focused on the important task of maintaining strong bonds of our Army Family; a Family that you'll always be a part of," Brown said.
"There is just no measure of what you mean to this country because you paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of this country. Know that though part of your family is gone; you are now part of a much bigger Family the Army Family," Petersen said.
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