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RELEASE NUMBER: 140521-01
DATE POSTED: MAY 21, 2014
USASFC honors fallen in Memorial Ceremony
by Staff Sgt. Vickie M. Woods
40th Public Affairs Detachment
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, May 21, 2014) – The U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) joined together with family and supporters for the 46th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 21, 2014.
“The Soldiers that we’ll recognize epitomize the best our nation has to offer,” said Brig. Gen. Darsie D. Rogers, commanding general of USASFC. “From the jungles of Vietnam, to the deserts of Iraq, from the mountains of Afghanistan, to the tributaries of the Philippines, our Soldiers have prepared and fought to free the oppressed and protect our country from our often faceless enemy.”
Held at the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Memorial Plaza, Special Forces Association member retired Sgt. 1st Class Cliff Newman read the names of 28 Special Forces Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in combat followed by the names of former Special Forces Soldiers who have passed away over the last year.
Among those who attended the ceremony were Gold Star Families, members of the immediate family of a fallen service member.
To our Gold Star Families, the nation and the regiment can never repay our debt to you,” said Rogers. “Military service is a family affair and the successes and sacrifices of our Special Forces operators are worn as much by their families as they are of our service members. No words of mine can fill the void left by your loved one, but I assure you that we, as a regiment, stand firm by our commitment to you as members of the Special Forces Family and the Army Family. The sacrifices and memories of your loved one will never be forgotten.”
Rogers emphasized the importance of preserving the story of their fellow Special Forces Soldiers’ courage and contributions to their country.
“To the Soldiers of the regiment, as we pause to remember our fallen brothers, never forget their legacy lives on with you,” he said. “It is our duty and sacred obligation to uphold their reputation, character and professionalism of the regiment and continue the legacy these men started.”
Guest speaker John N. Tobin, retired colonel and Special Forces Association President, reminded all those listening about the time-honored oath each Soldier spoke as they enlisted in the U.S. Army. He also emphasized the unique and irreplaceable bond that connects Soldiers, regardless of distance or time lost.
“Each year more and more march in that final formation and we who are left behind celebrate them, which is right and fitting,” said Tobin.
The guest speaker closed his speech by quoting Socrates, “No man will truly die until he is no longer remembered.”
In standard military tradition, the playing of the 24-note melancholy bugle call known as “Taps” concluded the ceremony.
“During Taps we will see their faces in our mind,” Tobin said. “We remember. We remember.”