FORT GORDON, Ga. (May 30, 2014) - The sun may have been shining down on those gathered at Freedom Park May 22 during the installation Survivor Outreach Service Warrior Remembrance ceremony, but there were many with missing family members who didn't take notice. These were the survivors of our fallen heroes.
"Today's ceremony allows us to honor our fallen and pay respect to the families left behind," said Diane Sarber, director of the Fort Gordon Army Community Service.
The guest speaker Col. Samuel G. Anderson, garrison commander at Fort Gordon, talked about the sacrifices by service members, their families and how freedom really is not free.
"The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines we remember today answered the call of service in their nation's hour of need," Anderson said. "They stood to fight for America's highest ideals. Today, and throughout the year, we remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation, the fallen never came home to their families and friends."
"Liberty is a precious gift, and we enjoy its benefits every day -- but to often we give little thought to the price that is paid for our great liberties," he explained as he referenced a bracelet he wears to remember one of his special forces comrades who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
"Our fallen heroes understood their duty and stood to protect America; carrying with them memories of their families that they hoped to keep safe by their sacrifice. We must take pride and comfort in knowing that the men and women who are serving freedom's cause understand their purpose -- and its price ...
"To all of our survivors, America understands that you have sacrificed someone precious and irreplaceable in your lives -- and our nation will always honor them," Anderson said. "Their memories will forever live in our hearts and their stories will be told for many generations to come. They inspire us today and give us hope for the future. They are never forgotten -- and you are never alone."
A few members of the families of the fallen took a moment to express their loss in song. The Gold Star Family members sang "Heaven was Needing a Hero," by Jo Dee Messina. Caitlyn Burner, Rose Tilby, Judy Smith, Denise Glasford, Celenia Burner and Jasmine McCoy sang, "I came by today to see you. Thought I had to let you know, If I knew the last time I held you was the last time, I'd have held you and never let go … I guess heaven was needing a hero. Somebody just like you, brave enough to stand up for what you believe and follow it through … Yes, heaven was needing a hero … that's you."
Then it was time to recognize the fallen. Karen Lewis, the Fort Gordon Survivor Outreach Services support specialist, called out the names.
They were Sgt. John F. Burner III, Lt. Col. Monique McCoy, Sgt. 1st Class James Tilby Jr., Spc. Hilda Clayton, Master Sgt. Henry Smith, Pfc. Eric Christian, Staff Sgt. Rodney Hope, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Stubbs, Pfc. Marcus Screen, Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Boyd, and Master Sgt. Thomas Thigpen Sr.
Soldiers, assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, escorted family members to the Tree of Remembrance as the U.S. Army 434th Signal Corps Brass Quintet played a special rendition of Adagio for the Tribute to the Fallen.
Following the benediction give by Chaplain (Capt.) Christopher W. Weinrich with 447th Signal Battalion, each family member in turn placed a small American flag at the Tree of Remembrance memorial to honor their loved one. Several service members including many members of the leadership of Fort Gordon did the same and rendered a salute.
Marisol and Kenneth Screen, who had lost their son, Pfc. Marcus Screen, June 1, 2013, after he had spent 27 days at home before he died, appreciated being invited to the annual Fort Gordon Warrior Remembrance Ceremony. "It feels like you are never alone," said Marisol. "You feel you always have the military family behind you."
Johnsell Christian just like the Screens lost a son. Spc. Eric Christian died Dec. 2, 2012, when he was killed in an accident at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
"By attending this ceremony it lets me know I am not alone," she added. "I attend different functions hosted by the Fort Gordon Survive Outreach services program and it helps me deal with my loss. People on the outside don't understand what you are going through. They think you are ok, but deep down inside there is a pain that will never go away, but you learn how to cope with it."
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