Memorial Day wreath laying wb.jpg

Brig. Gen. Gregory K. Anderson, 10th Mountain Division (LI) deputy commanding general of support, and Sgt. Maj. Michael Burns, 10th Mountain Division operations sergeant major, lay a wreath May 23 in Memorial Park on Fort Drum, New York. Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division observed Memorial Day during a ceremony to honor the military men and women who gave their lives in defense of the nation. (Photo by Pfc. Tiffany Banks)

 

10th Mountain Division Soldiers conduct wreath-laying ceremony for Memorial Day

 

Pfc. Tiffany Banks

27th Public Affairs Department

 

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (May 23, 2019) -- Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division (LI) observed Memorial Day with a wreath-laying ceremony May 23 on Fort Drum, New York. This annual ceremony was conducted to honor the military men and women who gave their lives in defense of the nation, its values, freedoms and liberties.Memorial Day wreath laying - Anderson wb.jpg

The loss of Soldiers throughout the nation’s history is something very few Americans forget, and it is felt deeply, not only in the families and communities across the nation, but also by Soldiers serving today.

Both Brig. Gen. Gregory K. Anderson, 10th Mountain Division (LI) deputy commanding general of support, and Sgt. Maj. Michael Burns, 10th Mountain Division operations sergeant major, participated in laying the wreath for the ceremony.

The wreath was placed at the foot of the Military Mountaineers Monument in Memorial Park as a symbol of respect and appreciation for the sacrifices service members made for the country.

Anderson began the ceremony by thanking the audience for their attendance to honor their fellow American citizens who have fallen in battle.

“Each of us here owes them a debt of gratitude,” Anderson said. “In keeping the memories of their

sacrifice alive through ritual and ceremony, in spirit of thanks – it matters.”

To conclude the ceremony, all guests paid their

Brig. Gen. Gregory K. Anderson addresses the audience during the Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony May 23 on Fort Drum, New York. (Photo by Pfc. Tiffany Banks)

respects by rendering honors to the wreath and
American flag.

Memorial Day is a day to honor the commitment to never forget those who served and sacrificed for the country. The National Moment of Remembrance will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, May 27, Memorial Day, to voluntarily and informally pause in reflection and remembrance of those Americans who died in service to the nation.