FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Under the glow of the Eternal Flame, Soldiers in dress uniforms honored their fallen comrades during a memorial ceremony May 26, on the Main Post Parade Field. Along with the Family of Spc. Alan Newton Jr., who was killed while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009, Soldiers from the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command came together to remember the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.
“(Memorial Day) is a day to remember all the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines throughout our nation’s history who have died for the ideals of freedom " the ideals upon which this nation was founded. That all men are created equal and entitled to the basic rights of liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” said Maj. Gen. David Blackledge, commanding general of USACAPOC.
“Today, we are gathered to honor the rise of a select few Americans who have fought and died while serving as members of U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command.
“On the second day of October 2009, I was informed that two of our Soldiers had been killed in action in the village of Murcheh, Afghanistan. Specialist Alan Newton Jr. and Captain Benjamin Sklaver were members of the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion out of Greensboro, North Carolina,” Blackledge told the small crowd.
“As we honor these Soldiers, as we memorialize their sacrifices, we recognize that we can never do enough. Because what they gave to us " gave to this nation " is beyond our ability to repay. Nevertheless, we do honor them, and will always remember them.”
Newton Family members stood in silence as a wreath was placed in front of the plaque bearing their husband’s, son’s, and loved one’s name.
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