Photo By Staff Sgt. Michael Wood | A Green Beret with the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) places a time capsule into...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Families, friends, and fellow soldiers gathered to honor the memory of fallen Soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) during a Memorial Day ceremony on Fort Carson, May 17, 2024.
The ceremony opened with the planting of a legacy tree, a living tribute to the fallen soldiers unwavering dedication and selfless sacrifice. Family members of the deceased participated in the symbolic act, each shoveling dirt around the tree's base, creating an everlasting memorial.
"Whereas the lives of our teammates were cut short, the tree will continue to grow and flourish over time," said Group Command Chief Warrant Officer for 10th SFG(A) Jeffrey Elwell. "Representing the growth and aging our fallen could not themselves experience."
After the tree planting, the ceremony transitioned to the Trojan Horse Fallen Soldier Memorial. Here, the families were called up to place special items of their Soldiers into a time capsule. This time capsule, a vessel of memories and a physical representation of their lives and service, was then stored within the memorial statue, ensuring that their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten.
“It’s ten-foot height represents the group's numerical designation, while the breastplate's seventy-two rivets signify the six twelve-man Special Forces Operational Detachment Alphas (SFODAs) that comprise the formation's core,” said Commander of 10th SFG(A) Col. Justin Hufnagel. “One rivet is intentionally removed and stored within the monument to represent a fallen soldier.”
"Memorial Day means a lot to a lot of different people across America, for some, it signifies the start of the summer, a long weekend, maybe with family and friends, a barbeque, a couple of beers, but for those of us within the military community and specifically for The Originals it holds a much greater significance," said 10th SFG(A) Command Sergeant Major Kevin P. Dorsh. “A significance that commemorates their brave men and women who had lost their lives while in service to this great nation."
Following the formal ceremony, a private luncheon was held for the families of the fallen soldiers, hosted by distinguished guests. Following lunch families were invited to tour the 10th SFG(A) compound, where their loved ones served, offering a rare chance to connect with their soldiers' legacy. This tour allowed them to understand their Soldiers experiences, and further honor their memory.
“It is up to us to use the gifts secured by those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Dorsh. “To do as much good as possible and honor a debt that we can never repay.”
| Date Taken: | 05.17.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.03.2024 12:28 |
| Story ID: | 472043 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Trojan Horse Fallen Soldier Memorial, by SPC Steven Alger, SPC Christopher Sanger and SSG Michael Wood, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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