HOHENFELS, Germany -- For many Americans, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer, a day off work to enjoy barbeques, picnics and family time. But for those connected with the armed services, it means much more.
Originally designated Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those whom have died in the service of the U.S.
This sentiment was exemplified at Hohenfels last week by the unveiling of a new memorial to honor the 11 members of the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment killed in Afghanistan between 2006 - 2010.
"This year marks the 5-year mark since the battalion suffered losses in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with three Soldiers from Dragon Company paying the ultimate sacrifice on July 6, 2010," said Lt. Col. Barry R. Carlson, 1-4th Inf. Reg. commander. "We dedicate this memorial as a tribute to our fallen and as a testimony that we will not forget the sacrifice (they) have made in support of our nation."
The new monument stands between the 1-4th Inf. Reg. headquarters and the Hohenfels dining facility bearing a plaque featuring the names of the fallen and the mission of the battalion in Afghanistan.
The battalion also hosts a "Wall of Heroes" inside the headquarters, and visitors and General Officers from around Europe often stop and pay tribute to the Soldiers enshrined there.
"Truth be told, our hallway of heroes is not a place the majority of the Soldiers in the battalion see on a daily or even a monthly basis," said Carlson.
Carlson said that by putting the memorial where Soldiers constantly transit will serve as a daily reminder of the sacrifices made.
He added that for each name on the memorial, there are 100 names behind it that also need to be recognized.
"These are the heroes that survived. These are the heroes that continue to live missing their Soldier that made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, their family and friends," Carlson said.
Gold Star family members Nickayla Meyers-Garner and Sandra and Evan Masterson attended the ceremony, and Meyers-Garner said the memorial means the world to the family, friends and colleagues of those who were killed.
Gold Star family members are those who survive a loved one killed in the line of duty.
"It's also important to the community because it is a symbol showing the active duty member and their families that those who have lost their lives will be honored and forever remembered by the unit," Meyers-Garner said.
"Soldiers who may have never known these men will walk by the monument, and they will see this symbol of remembrance and will always know that if they or their friends lose their life fighting in service to our nation, they will be remembered like these men," Meyers-Garner said.
As photos from the ceremony were shared on the battalion's Facebook page, other Gold Star family members and former unit members expressed their delight at the new memorial.
Barbara Arizmendez said she wished her family could have attended the event, but that her children Jennifer and Justin were happy to know their father is still remembered.
"Thank you to the Battalion for placing this monument. It is important to the history of the Regiment to never forget the sacrifices made by those that served their Country and paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we love," wrote Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Marvin R. Wideman Jr., president of the 4th Infantry Regiment Veteran's Association. "1st Battalion leadership has once again demonstrated their genuine dedication to the families of these soldiers."
Carlson encountered the 1-4th Inf. Reg. while conducting a pre-deployment site survey in Afghanistan in 2009. While he had no idea that one day he would be commanding the battalion, he said even then he was impressed by the no-nonsense, quiet professionalism of the unit.
"This battalion doesn't necessarily get the press of some of the other units in Europe," Carlson said, "but when a mission absolutely needs to get done, the 1-4 is called."
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