The stars and stripes, and a bouquet of tulips in a vase alongside gravestones at Fort Benning's military cemetery, on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008. (Dave Bender)
Memorial services for soldiers died in war were held at Fort Benning near Columbus today.
Over two hundred family members of fallen soldiers; along with veterans, officers and local officials took part in the ceremony, held at the post cemetery.
Benning commander Major-General Walter Wojdakowski says the fallen did not die in vain:
“In our hearts we know that we can't fully discharge our solemn obligation to these men and women, with mere words and gestures. for they did not die for words or wreaths alone; they died to preserve the freedoms that we so much enjoy.”A color guard fired off three rounds saluting the fallen, a lone bugler played taps and the visitors walked among the thousands of gravestones, in remembrance.
The Army says over 80 soldiers have died in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Ray, Wendy, John and David Shisler of Columbus look out over the rows of gravestones during the Memorial Day ceremony, held at Fort Benning, May 26, 2008. (Dave Bender)
GPB Radio will air a special Memorial Day edition of Georgia Gazette this evening 6 pm, 7 pm in Athens. This evening at 8 pm, join GPB Radio for a specially produced program recapping the state Memorial Day commemoration of last Thursday.
