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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (MCN - 2/28/2012) —
Marines and sailors entered the somber theater by the
dozens. Each was prepared to pay their last respects to
eight of their fallen brothers during the memorial service
held by 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine
Division at the base theater aboard Marine Corps Base Camp
Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 24.
A Marine with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division places a set of identification tags on the grip of the memorial stand of Lance Cpl. Franklin N. Watson, during the 1st Bn., 6th Marines, memorial service held in honor of eight of the battalions fallen heroes in the base theater aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 24,
2012. Photo by USMC Cpl. Joshua J. Hines |
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Seaman Riley Gallinger-long,
Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian K. Lundy, Lance Cpls. Travis
M. Nelson, Terry C. Write, Franklin N. Watson, Scott D.
Harper, Christopher P. Levy and Cpl. Phillip D. Mcgeath all
made the ultimate sacrifice fighting alongside their fellow
Marines and sailors while supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom
The families of the fallen, each shedding
tears of sorrow were far from alone in their mourning as the
number of attendees reached close to 1000. A select few of
the Marines and sailors closest to the fallen heroes took
the stage to share their fond memories of their close
friends and brothers-in-arms during the service.
“I
will always remember Terry for the person he was and not the things
he did or didn't do,” said Lance Cpl. Morris, speaking on behalf of
Private First Class Terry Wright. “He was a caring and truly funny
person, who loved dogs and loved to be around them. We would always
make time to go to the park and play with |
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the dogs. Terry is with us all in spirit and is ever-
present in our minds. We will always remember the good and bad times
because those moments brought us all closer as a family and as
brothers. I know wherever he is now; terry is surrounded by good
people and a pack of playful dogs.” |
After the last friend of the
fallen stepped down from the stage, the battalion's
commanding officer took the podium and expressed his
gratitude for the presence of the families of the fallen
Marines and sailors as well as his grief felt at the loss of
the eight heroes who gave their lives.
“It is
impossible to remove the sadness of their deaths, but we
cannot forget the obligation their sacrifice gives us.” said
Lt. Col. George Benson, battalion commander of 1st Bn., 6th
Marines. “We are obligated to live meaningful and purposeful
lives. The richer and more meaningful our lives; the more
meaningful and profound their sacrifice. We will never
forget them. We will honor them above all other Americans
and we will teach our children to do the same. We will earn
what they have given us.”
The service came to a
close as the final roll call was sounded for each of the
fallen warriors. Each name called was accompanied by a
solemn bell toll and following the final bell, the service
ended with the playing of Taps.
By USMC Cpl. Joshua J. Hines
2nd Marine Division
Marine Corps News
Copyright 2012
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