FORT CARSON, Colo.—The families of Fort Carson soldiers killed in Iraq remembered their loved ones during an annual ceremony at the military’s post Friday.
The names of the 46 Fort Carson soldiers killed in Iraq in the past year were read to the sound of bagpipes Friday to honor their service. The 46 soldiers bring the total number of Fort Carson casualties to 237 since the Iraq war began in 2003. Each of the names read Friday were added to the six stone tablets on a memorial wall at Fort Carson.
“Those listed on the wall here have given up everything for you and I,” Fort Carson’s commander Maj. Gen. Mark Graham said to an audience of hundreds at the ceremony.
Graham, like others at the event, has lost a loved one to the war. His son, 2nd Lt. Jeff Graham, died in a 2004 bombing in Iraq.
Relatives of the fallen soldiers made the trip to Fort Carson from around the country.
Leasa DeLozier of Claremont, N.C., attended the ceremony for her son, Brian L. Holden, of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, who was killed in Iraq. His name was among those added to the memorial.
“I truly believe they do care,” DeLozier said about the ceremony and the reception she and others received from the military.
About 5,000 Fort Carson soldiers are currently deployed in Iraq. That number is expected to increase to almost 1,000 by the end of the year.
Graham reminded those in attendance the military will continue supporting them.
“We remain with you each day, one day at a time,” he said.
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Information from: The Gazette,
