'Spartan' Soldiers honor heroes at wreath laying ceremony

By Capt. Gina Goris, 2HBCT Public AffairsMarch 9, 2012

Wreath Laying Ceremony
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Richmond Hill community members and Soldiers from the 'Spartan' 2nd Heavy Brigade Command Team, Third Infantry Division, come together to pay honor to Military heroes past and present during Richmond Hill's 50th Anniversary and Military Appreciation held at Richmond Hill, Ga., J.F. Gregory Park, March 3.

The Celebration recognizes not only the 50th Anniversary of Richmond Hill, but also the important and ongoing contributions that military members have made -- and will continue to make -- to the Richmond Hill community.

The Richmond Hill 50th Anniversary and Military Appreciation Celebration started with a wreath laying ceremony, at the Veterans monument in order to pay tribute to Richmond Hill and Military Families.

A city only turns 50 once. It is an important and proud occasion, said Col. Douglas Cardinale, Commander, 2HBCT, 3ID. It is an occasion to be honored as we are doing today.

Service members within the Richmond Hill community have shaped the history of Richmond Hill, from the earliest days of Camp Stewart, when Richmond Hill was known as Ways Station, said Richmond Hill's Mayor, Harold Fowler. Making it very appropriate for us to stand together as the city celebrates its 50th anniversary.

It means a lot to me and it means a lot to the residents of Richmond Hill to honor those military members who serve freedom today, those who have served in the past and those who have given the ultimate for their country -- their lives, said Mayor Fowler.

The military have served all over the world and have seen what works and what doesn't work when it comes to local governance. They bring that expertise to the table and every Richmond Hill resident benefits from that, said Fowler.

The Richmond Hill Community is a place that many military members call home. It is commendable that you have chosen to open your city's celebration with a wreath laying ceremony, said Col. Cardinale.

In support of the wreath laying ceremony, 2HBCT, 3rd ID, provided a color guard, firing party, and a vehicle static display. In addition, 3rd ID band provided live music and entertainment, including the National Anthem.

The weeklong event will conclude with the 50th Time Capsule Burial party and fireworks in the Park on Saturday.