Photo By Sgt. Salvatore Ottaviano | Soldiers, first responders and other honored guests prepare for a wreath-laying...... read more read more
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FORT TOTTEN, N.Y. – The 77the Infantry Division Reserve Officers Association held its annual Ecumenical Memorial Service Nov. 7 at the Ernie Pyle U.S. Army Reserve Center here.
Taking part in the event were New York State Senator John C. Liu, who represents New York’s 11th Senate District, and Brig. Gen. Jake S. Kwon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).
“Our veterans continue to serve our nation and lead our communities in so many ways,” said Liu. “It is very fitting, very meaningful that we take some time today to honor these veterans who really embody the spirit of America and what our nation is all about.”
“I am humbled and honored to be a part of this ceremony,” Kwon said. “As you know, freedom isn’t free; many of our fellow service members never got to taste the fruits of freedom they fought so hard to defend. Their ultimate sacrifice can never be forgotten, and it is events such as this one that keep their memory alive.”
The event began with a remembrance of nearly two-dozen recently deceased Soldiers and veterans who served in various incarnations of the 77th ranging from World War II to the present.
“Today, we honor those who have passed on,” Liu said. “These are individuals who will always be remembered as continuing to contribute to society long after they had retired from service in the military.”
The event then shifted outside the facility to the nearby 77th Memorial Grove for a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the six 77th Soldiers - Lt. Col. William Polhmann, Capt. Mark Whitford, Capt. Michael Mullan, Warrant Officer Ronald Bucca, Staff Sgt. Frederick Ill and Sgt. Shawn Powell – who were killed on Sept. 11, 2001.
“Today’s event is held near the epicenter of one of the most tragic events in our nation’s history – the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States,” Kwon said. “In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the 77th Regional Support Command played a pivotal role in the recovery efforts here in New York by immediately establishing an emergency operations center right here at Fort Totten.
“While countless members of the 77th acted valiantly on 9/11, there were six Citizen-Soldiers who perished while demonstrating tremendous heroism that day,” he continued. “Their steadfast and selfless service in the face of overwhelming adversity was a model for all our Soldiers to follow.”
Also supporting the event were the 99th Readiness Division’s 78th Army Band, the 389th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion color guard, and Chap. (Capt.) Sarah N. Fernandez of the 354th Transportation Battalion.
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2021 15:21 |
| Story ID: | 409158 |
| Location: | BAYSIDE, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 134 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Fallen Soldiers honored during Fort Totten memorial service, by SSG Shawn Morris, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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