FORT BENNING, Ga. - Veterans, Rangers and family members gathered at the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, memorial Wednesday to remember fallen Rangers, commemorate veterans and celebrate 25 years since the 3rd Battalion was activated.
SGT Steven Ganczewski, PFC Roy Brown, CPL Ryan McGhee and SGT James Regan were four of 45 names that were read aloud as Rangers placed wreaths at the memorial site. The 45 Rangers were all killed in the line of duty or in training.
"Today we are here to look back on the storied and historic 25 years of this battalion to pay tribute to those 3rd Battalion Rangers who paid the ultimate sacrifice and service of this battalion in the defense of our nation," said CPT Carmen Bucci, of 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regt.
Had it not been for the veterans who have fallen and those who are fighting today, the United States wouldn't be free, said COL Daniel Walrath, battalion commander.
"Peace and freedom are continually under attack," Walrath said. "But all is not lost because of our brave veterans and their families."
Walrath thanked the veterans who fought in the past who are fighting overseas now, and recognized those who made "the ultimate sacrifice" for their country.
"Because of you brave veterans, we remain the land of the free," he said. "And your nation should be eternally grateful."
Ally Keller, a spouse who attended the ceremony, said remembering the fallen and veterans should be a daily occurrence. She knew Ganczewski, a fallen Soldier who was recognized at the ceremony.
"We need to remember the Soldiers of the past and those who are fighting now and the sacrifices they have made," she said. "(Many) gave their lives for our country and have served and are serving and they deserved to be honored."
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