thedrifter
08-17-07, 07:46 AM
Fallen soldiers honored with Healing Field
Posted 8/16/2007 10:05p
by Kia Carter
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Thursday night began honors for fallen soldiers from the Quad Cities fighting the War on Terrorism. Since March of 2003 more than 4,100 soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen died in Iraq and Afghanistan. That includes 19 soldiers from right here in and around the Quad Cities. Thursday marks the beginning of a four day ceremony to remember these soldiers and others who gave their lives.
Like the flowers that mark their graves, the opening ceremony for the Fallen Soldiers Healing Field, symbolically honors every soldier that's died in the war that followed 9/11.
"We're not here for anyone's political views on the war. We're just here to pay respect to these men and women," says Annette Wood, Quad Cities Families in Support of Troops.
In the still air families of fallen soldiers pray for peace. Peace within their hearts, peace overseas, peace for those now gone. The process helps those like veteran John Gosney heal.
"We're all prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. I know a few names out there and I know if they we're here today, they'd be honored by what's going on here," says John Gosney, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran.
Each flag represents a group of the more than 3,700 soldiers who've died in Iraq and more than 400 soldiers who've died in Afghanistan. Banners name the more than 3,000 lost in 9/11.
The event brings remembrance that tombstones are the price we pay to defend our constitution. With each year the war continues, the number participating in the Healing Field event grows.
"We've got different police and fire associations here, and a lot of veterans groups also. More and more people, as they see it, want to help," says Wood.
"It's bringing the whole community together and say were all part of this war and everyone is touched by it some way or another," says Shelby Bartelt, Junior Air Force ROTC.
The Healing Field is open 24 hours at the Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery until a closing ceremony Sunday evening. Friday the names of the more than 4,100 fallen soldiers will be read aloud. If you'd like more information about the events going on this weekend, you can find a link on our website, wqad.com.
Ellie
Posted 8/16/2007 10:05p
by Kia Carter
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Thursday night began honors for fallen soldiers from the Quad Cities fighting the War on Terrorism. Since March of 2003 more than 4,100 soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen died in Iraq and Afghanistan. That includes 19 soldiers from right here in and around the Quad Cities. Thursday marks the beginning of a four day ceremony to remember these soldiers and others who gave their lives.
Like the flowers that mark their graves, the opening ceremony for the Fallen Soldiers Healing Field, symbolically honors every soldier that's died in the war that followed 9/11.
"We're not here for anyone's political views on the war. We're just here to pay respect to these men and women," says Annette Wood, Quad Cities Families in Support of Troops.
In the still air families of fallen soldiers pray for peace. Peace within their hearts, peace overseas, peace for those now gone. The process helps those like veteran John Gosney heal.
"We're all prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. I know a few names out there and I know if they we're here today, they'd be honored by what's going on here," says John Gosney, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran.
Each flag represents a group of the more than 3,700 soldiers who've died in Iraq and more than 400 soldiers who've died in Afghanistan. Banners name the more than 3,000 lost in 9/11.
The event brings remembrance that tombstones are the price we pay to defend our constitution. With each year the war continues, the number participating in the Healing Field event grows.
"We've got different police and fire associations here, and a lot of veterans groups also. More and more people, as they see it, want to help," says Wood.
"It's bringing the whole community together and say were all part of this war and everyone is touched by it some way or another," says Shelby Bartelt, Junior Air Force ROTC.
The Healing Field is open 24 hours at the Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery until a closing ceremony Sunday evening. Friday the names of the more than 4,100 fallen soldiers will be read aloud. If you'd like more information about the events going on this weekend, you can find a link on our website, wqad.com.
Ellie