Fort Detrick participated in the dedication of a Never Forget Garden in commemoration of the centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Md. on Oct. 2.
The event was hosted by Carrollton Manor Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion, Francis Scott Key Post 11. Frederick Mayor Michael O’Conner and Fort Detrick Garrison Commander Col. Danford Bryant were present.
In his remarks, Col. Bryant shared his thoughts about memorials such as these.
“Throughout my career in the military, I have been honored to participate in memorial ceremonies that honored the lost and unknown,” said Bryant. “There are two that stand out most in my mind. The first, while serving in the Navy, I played a small role in the laying of wreaths off the coast of Indonesia as part of a small flotilla of warships from Australia, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and the US, in memoriam the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Java Sea.
“The Second, I was honored to participate in a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, at Arlington National Cemetery,” he continued. “And, it is in Arlington where I have spent many hours walking, reflecting, and meditating. It is also, where I go at least once a year to visit with a friend on the anniversary of his death. These places, these memorials, these locations for reflection are important to so many of us.
“This garden, sponsored by the Carrollton Manor Chapter, will serve as a living tribute to all of America’s veterans and their families. In silence and respect, this will be a place for all to remember that millions of Americans have fought and died for our liberty and our freedom. Here we renew our promise to fulfill America’s sacred duty to never forget them, and to honor their memory,” concluded Bryant.
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