FORT HOOD, Texas - The 1st Cavalry Division Association held a Gulf War memorial ceremony during its 64th Annual 1st Cav. Div. Association Reunion at the 1st Cav. Div. Museum here June 10.

The ceremony, recognizing the soldiers who fell during the Gulf War 20 years ago, was spoken at by retired Gen. John H. Tilelli, former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and former commander of 1st Cav. Div. during the Gulf War, retired Lt. Gen. Randy House, former commander of 2nd Brigade, 1st Cav. Div. during the Gulf War, and Col. Philip Battaglia, rear detachment commander of the division.

"Their service and sacrifice is the legacy that is embodied by those who serve today in this great division: service to nation, character and courage, integrity," Tilleli said during his speech. "They represent the best of America, the best America has to offer, and they were committed to something much greater than themselves."

Members of the 1st Cav. Div. Association looked on as Gulf War veterans placed yellow roses on memorial trees located around the walkway of the museum.

Retired 1st Sgt. Scott Sjule, former member of 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cav. Div., carried the rose to the memorial tree of Pfc. Roger E. Valentine, who died during the Gulf War as part of 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regt., 1st Cav. Div.

Memorial ceremonies like this one keeps you connected and keeps the fallen forward in your mind, said Sjule, a Springfield, Mo. native.

"If you remember now, you remember forever," Sjule said. "That's how we tie our fraternity together."