Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Capt. James Anderson, Camp Wright chaplain, leads the pray during a...... read more read more
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KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan– As American's gathered together throughout the United States to place flowers and flags on the graves of those who have paid the ultimate price for freedom, a group in Afghanistan also took time, while away from their families, friends and loved ones, to pay tribute.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and American civilians serving at Camp Wright, a forward operating base in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province, assembled at the Sgt. Jeremy Wright memorial, May 31, to participate in a Memorial Day observance.
"In a deployed setting where every day can seem like the day before and time has a way of slipping by unnoticed, it is important to not lose track of the momentous days which represent the ideals that define the character of our citizens - freedom, liberty, honor, sacrifice and selflessness, to name a few," said U.S. Air Force Capt. James Anderson, Camp Wright chaplain, from Eagle River, Alaska. "Our Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines are a part of a long and sacred heritage of serving, defending and upholding the freedoms we cherish.
"Observing Memorial Day, especially here, reminds us of that heritage, honors those who have laid it all down on the line for us, and cements in us the dedication and duty to press on in defending and fighting for those most cherished of ideals."
As the group gathered at the memorial, they solemnly bowed their heads while Anderson opened the observance with prayer. He was followed by U.S. Navy Cmdr. Mark Edwards, Kunar PRT commander, who spoke about Wright and the legacy he left behind.
Wright was a U.S. Army Special Forces communications sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) out of Fort Lewis, Wash. He deployed to Afghanistan Nov. 2004.
A graduate of Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind., Wright was a two-time All-American cross-country runner there. He was also a three-time member of the U.S. Mountain Running Team and the Indiana state high school champion in the 3,200-meter run.
On Jan. 3, 2005, Wright died instantly when an improvised explosive device exploded near his Ground Mobility Vehicle during operations in Afghanistan's Kunar province.
"Seeing things here first hand from the front lines has helped me realize how challenging it can be to put everything you cherish, respect and love to the side and make that difficult decision to put yourself in harm's way," said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabriel Balderaz, PRT Kunar fire marshal and assistant to air operations from Hereford, Texas. "I understand now more than I ever have before the strength it must have taken to muster up that much courage to be willing to lay one's life on the line."
The commander continued the program by commending the troops on their own selflessness. He praised their hard work and their devotion to country for serving in one of the "most kinetic provinces in Afghanistan."
His sentiments and adulations were echoed by Anderson.
"From the day I arrived at Camp Wright I have seen in the attitudes and actions of the service members here a dedication and determination to do what must be done," Anderson said. "They have displayed great loyalty to each other, to the mission and to our nation's call. Their steely courage keeps them focused and constantly engaged in every mission, whether it's quality control on a building project, manning an out-post, engaging provincial leaders, leading the locals in establishing more productive agricultural endeavors, or simply 'holding down the fort.' And for the most part, they don't see it as a sacrifice but as an honor to serve," he said.
After the commander addressed the troops, Anderson called for a final moment of silence allowing each individual to reflect on the sacrifices made by those before them, as well as those standing right next to them.
"During the observance I stood for a moment of silence and let it all sink in," said Balderaz, who has deployed three times, twice over Memorial Day. "It was as if I could feel the lingering presence of something greater than myself; feel it, understand it, and know that everything put into that day of remembrance was significant because of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and who should never be forgotten."
The observance ended with the reading of the lyrics for Taps. Generally played on bugle or trumpet, Taps is sounded by the U.S. military during flag ceremonies and funerals. Originally solely instrumental, over the years lyrics have been added.
"While a service like this gives our troops the opportunity to reflect on and remember those who have served our nation throughout history, more personally it gives them the chance to honor their fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms who have either been wounded or have fallen in combat during their time here in Afghanistan," Anderson said. "I hope that in this observance our servicemembers find hope, peace and healing, while being spiritually strengthened to press on in this mission that is so much greater than any one of us individually."
| Date Taken: | 05.31.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2010 09:18 |
| Story ID: | 50639 |
| Location: | KUNAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 934 |
| Downloads: | 164 |
This work, Camp Wright honors memory of Sgt. Wright, other fallen comrades, by 1st Lt. Amy Abbott, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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