DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. - Families of fallen Soldiers were honored at a remembrance ceremony, held in conjunction with the re-signing of the Army Family Covenant, May 19.
"This very day, our fallen Soldiers, their spouses and children are being remembered in prayer, here in our local community, across the country, and around the world," said Maj. Gen. Kurt Stein, commander, TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. "Your loved one will not be forgotten. You and your family will not be forgotten."
Community leaders joined Stein, TACOM LCMC Command Sgt. Maj. Clinton Hall and Brenda Lee McCullough, garrison manager, for the event honoring five Michigan families whose spouse or parent made the ultimate sacrifice for America.
The Honorable David Hanselman, mayor of Centerline, John Michrina, city manager of Centerline, Dr. Charles Muncatchy, Mount Clemens Public Schools superintendant, and Ken Krause, director of secondary education, Anchor Bay School District, attended the ceremony.
Surviving children were presented with a plaque, and each spouse received a personalized note from Stein applauding them on their resiliency and thanking them for their sacrifice.
"For some time now, you have been asked to be brave, understanding and strong," said Stein as he addressed the surviving relatives. "Some things have been especially hard for you and your family. No human words can fix the hurt. That kind of healing comes from God. We can trust in God's goodness."
The remembrance ceremony was held in conjunction with the signing of the AFC in order to symbolize the commitment of Army leaders to provide for the wellbeing of the Army family, including survivors.
"Survivor Outreach Services is just one of the Army's programs available to help meet the needs of survivors," said Edwin Morales-Aviles, Army Community Service director. "Through this network, we work hard to gather available resources and to maximize the cooperation between various agencies so we can ensure that we are 'keeping our promise' to Army Families."
Stein stressed the importance of these Army family-life programs.
"The strength of our Soldiers is sustained by the strength of their families," said Stein. "Army life is challenging. The Army recognizes both the commitment and the sacrifices that Army Families make each day. Nationally and locally, the Army is working to provide and sustain a strong and supportive environment.
The Army Family Covenant sets forth in words those actions that Army leaders at all levels are taking to improve family readiness. These are not nice-to-have amenities. They are must do items that must be done right ... for the good of our Soldiers, Families, and our Army."
An additional event highlight included the children from the installation's Strong Beginnings program, a pre-Kindergarten program for 4-year-olds supported by the AFC, reciting the pledge of allegiance.
"We were proud to combine the signing ceremony with an event honoring families of fallen Soldiers," said McCullough. "Thank you to the families for your sacrifice and thank you to the garrison staff for coordinating this very important event."
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