FORT NOVOSEL, AL- Fort Novosel honored fallen service members and their families during the annual Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day Luminary Service Sept. 24 at Wings Chapel.
Soldiers, family members, civilian employees and Gold Star Family members all attended the event with the undertaking of honoring and remembering those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, according to Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel commanding general, who spoke at the service.
“You are not alone in your grief and loss.” McCurry said. “You are part of this community, our community, and the community of Survivors who share your pain and support your healing. We know that the void left after losing a loved one is never filled.”
McCurry told the gathered audience that the fallen service members “volunteered to serve, and without reservation, answered our nation’s call.” He said, “Their personal courage, and your personal sacrifice, are revered by all, in and out of uniform. Today we honor that sacrifice and stand united with you in recognition of their intrepid service.”
He added that we should not just honor the fallen only on this day, but as “a continuous process of honoring our fallen heroes everyday that they are not with us.”
“Each luminaria represents a legacy of courage, service, and sacrifice that will never be forgotten. As we light the luminaria, we pay tribute to the memories of those we lost,” McCurry added. “We, at Fort Novosel are thankful for their sacrifices and their selfless service to our nation. We will never forget what they gave. They inspire us every day and help us to be Above the Best.”
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Kyle Taylor provided the spiritual reflection for the evening, telling those assembled that there is healing to be found in ritual remembrance.
“May today’s vigil also serve as an act of honor, an act of remembrance and an act of contrition for our fallen brothers and sisters, and the families they left behind,” Taylor said. “And in our honor, and in our remembering, may we also find hope and may we also find healing.”
Fort Novosel honored and remembered the following fallen service members and their family members at the ceremony:
SGT Timothy Conneway- his mother, Sally Conneway
CW4 James Holtz- his wife, Kathy Holtz
PFC John Brown- his parents, Ed and Bonnie Brown
SPC Lewis Davies- his mother Temekia Davies and his son Isiah Davies
SFC William Butts- his sister and brother-in-law Donna and Pat Hallock
PFC Prentice Lewis- his mother Kimberly Lewis and his brother A’Mari Lewis
SPC Brendan Neenan- his parents Hugh and Lesa Neenan
CW2 Scott Saboe- his son and daughter-in-law Dustin and Amanda Saboe
Social Sharing