GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- The Grafenwoehr Military Community conducted a wreath-laying ceremony May 24 here to remember fallen Servicemembers in observance of Memorial Day.
Retired military civilians and Soldiers symbolically placed wreaths between the American and German flags at the Joint Multinational Training Command headquarters to honor those who have given their lives while defending their country.
"On Memorial Day, we celebrate, remember, and honor America's fallen heroes," said Col. James E. Saenz, U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr commander. "They sacrificed their hopes to insure their loved ones and fellow Americans could continue to have the freedom that they cherished. We mourn their loss, but we also celebrate their passion for freedom and their love for our nation."
The wreath laying not only honored fallen Servicemembers of the U.S., but Servicemembers of all nations who gave their lives for their countries.
"Today America does not stand alone in conflict, but with others who value our beliefs and share our hope for peace," said Saenz. "There sacrifice will always be remembered by a grateful nation," he added.
Ceremonies like this have transcended from not only being an American event, but to a multi-national event, where people from many nations who wish to honor their fallen can come together and honor each other's service.
"Last Veteran's Day, we had the Germans participate as members of our ceremony. All nations that have served in Iraq or Afghanistan and who have lost members would connect with a ceremony like this. It would resonate with them as a performance well done of the sacrifice and service of serving your nation," said Col. Bryan L. Rudacille, 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command commander, whom has deployed a total of seven times to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I have had soldiers under my command that I have lost in conflict," Rudacille said. "Observing the ceremony, you always reflect back to those who you've had a personal connection to. I have people in my mind, whose faces flash as I sit here and watch."
The ceremony may have left audience members and participants with a heavy heart and deep in memories, but its importance was inherent.
Retired Army Master Sgt. Kurt Spohr, with the Veterans of Foreign wars Tower Post 10692, Grafenwoehr, said that the lasting commemoration of those fallen was the most important aspect of the ceremony.
"They're gone, but not forgotten," he said.
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