Little Rock AFB, Ark. -- Those in attendance stood in solemn silence as the last name on a list of 138 was recited and a final solitary note hung in the air.
For the last 10 minutes, local high school students -- all members of an Army, Air Force or Navy, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program -- lined up and spoke the names of fallen Arkansans as part of the Roll Call of Fallen Heroes during the 11th Annual Tribute to Fallen Heroes Ceremony in Sherwood, Arkansas, Apr. 9, 2016. After each name was read, a bell was struck, resonating throughout the room.
"Each year, American Legion Post 74 is committed to honoring the memory of all of Arkansas’ fallen heroes that have paid the ultimate price as result of service during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn,” said R.D. Kinsey, Commander of Post 74. “The first ceremony was held in March 2006 and has been held each year since.”
The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veteran’s service organization, committed to mentoring youth, advocating patriotism, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.
Since the ceremony’s inception, the Legionnaires of Post 74 have developed a special bond with Gold Star Families. The term Gold Star Family signifies the immediate families of fallen service members who have lost their lives in conflict or in support of certain military operations. These families are given the Gold Star Lapel Button, also referred to as the Gold Star Pin, by the Department of Defense as a way to recognizes the sacrifice of a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or other loved one who dies in service to the country.
“We’ve come to know and love all of the Gold Star Families. Over the years we’ve seen their children grow into adulthood, and many have embraced our efforts to keep the memories of their loved ones alive,” Kinsey said. “At every ceremony, they’re always our honored guests.”
Before the Roll Call of Fallen Heroes, the audience heard from guest speakers. One presenter, U.S. Air Force Reservist, Col. Craig Drescher, 913th Airlift Group commander, shared a life changing story about his most memorable mission in Iraq.
Drescher was a navigator on C-130H aircraft during his deployment to Iraq. Despite long hours and harsh living conditions, the aircraft crews were usually jovial during their flights, exchanging banter and engaging in conversation, but that all changed one day when they lowered their ramp and saw the cargo they’d be carrying: a fallen Soldier.
“It was a very important mission -- a life changing one,” Drescher said. “We were taking a fallen brother on the first leg of a very important flight. I got to watch the soldier’s friends carry his coffin onto our plane. I saw the look in their eyes, and the face of those who he’d served with and knew that many of them didn’t want to hand him over.”
That flight was unlike most. The atmosphere changed from one of banter and quips and instead took on one of reverent seriousness. This mission served as a strong reminder of the sacrifice all who serve give – sometimes that sacrifice comes as the ultimate cost.
“It’s an honor to be here with all of you. And it’s very humbling,” Drescher said when addressing the Gold Star Families. “The circumstances are sad, but its’ important to remember those who’ve gone before us, and those who haven’t come home. That’s what brings us here today.”
The ceremony, while honoring the fallen, also highlighted the dangers JROTC participants could face should they choose to peruse a military career. Each speaker recognized this and took time to extoll the students for their interest and desire to serve.
“I’m grateful for the young men and women who are willing to join,” Drescher said. “I see them on our drill weekends. They’re happy and excited to serve our country. Seeing that is energizing, and gives me great hope for the future of our nation.”
Speaker Isaac Henry, a special assistant to the mayor of North Little Rock and a first lieutenant in the Army Reserve, credited the JROTC program for giving him the structure and discipline he needed to graduate high school and go on to college ROTC.
“I attended North Little Rock High School where I was an active participant in JROTC,” Henry said. “Seeing students sitting where I was sitting 15 years ago makes me feel confident in the country’s future.”
Participating in the ceremony didn’t just impact the students, it also highlighted the importance of their charge while serving their country.
“I know this gives cadets a better understanding of how serious the commitment to serve is, and it humbles them to see those who died.” Henry said. “But, the ceremony also made me understand the seriousness of my job as a Company Commander. I have 220 soldiers under my direct command and I know all too well that the decisions I make could be life and death decisions for them.”
The audience, still solemnly standing from the Roll Call of Fallen Heroes, slowly turned to hear the final sounds of the ceremony: powerful booms of a 3-volley rifle salute to honor the fallen performed by Marines assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division.