3rd HBCT Conducts Memorial Day Ceremony

An honor guard comprised of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Soldiers fires volleys to pay tribute to their fallen comrades during the 3rd HBCT’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday at Forward Operating Base Hammer.

Multi-National Division - Center

Media Release

HQ, MND-Center

Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT Conducts Memorial Day Ceremony

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team honored their fallen brethren, past and present, in a ceremony at FOB Hammer Monday.
Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., the commander of the 3rd HBCT, addressed 3rd HBCT Soldiers and reflected on the ultimate sacrifice that members of the 3rd HBCT have made in service to their country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Today is a tough day,” said Grigsby. “This day is different for each and every one of you because of this (deployment), but … don’t feel bad. Absorb this day and remember it. It will become even more important to you as you grow older.”

A roll call of every 3rd HBCT Soldier that has given his life during OIF preceded a firing of the volleys.

“I feel very proud to be a part of the ceremony and to honor our fallen comrades, past and present,” said 1st Sgt. Rene I. Gonzalez, the Command Sergeant Major of the Brigade Special Troops Battalion from San Juan, Puerto Rico, who was among one of the roll call readers. “It is very important to for us to never forget them and to always pay tribute to their sacrifice.”