Mountain Post honors 407 fallen heroes
(FORT CARSON, Colo.) — Over the years, the Mountain Post has honored the lives of soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while supporting overseas operations. Since 2004, the ceremony has taken place reflecting the deep respect and gratitude for the men and women who gave their all.
“It becomes a profession and a way of life,” said Maj. Gen. David Doyle, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson. “Many of our soldiers who have not experienced this type of ceremony before will look at this and then understand how important it is to continue to be part of the team and be inspirational in that regard.”
The names of 407 fallen heroes are etched onto different memorial stones, at the Mountain Post, with each name telling a different story of courage and commitment to our country. This year, no new names were added to the memorial stones.
“Each one of those individuals represents not just a personal sacrifice, but a family sacrifice,” Maj. Gen. David Doyle said. “Those families come from all over the United States. So, when we honor them, we recognize the commitment that our nation makes to its defense and that’s absolutely essential that without the United States of America behind this military, we’re not going to be able to perform that function.”
During the ceremony, the units of the fallen heroes were read, followed by a memorial salute, serving as a reminder of the immense impact these servicemembers held on both those who knew them and those who didn’t.
“What I would say is the Army is a wonderful place to serve because you’re surrounded by people who care,” Maj. Gen. David Doyle said. “You’re surrounded by people who are dedicated to a purpose that’s more important than anything else, which is the protection of our way of life.”
Following the ceremony, family members were given roses to place by the memorial stone of their loved one. Robert Wichmann placed one in front of the stone bearing his son’s name, Sgt. Grant A. Wichmann, who died in April 2010.
Robert Wichmann shared the story of why his son felt called to serve, he said, “He looked at me and he said, ‘Dad, you just don’t understand, I can’t sit here any longer with men dying to protect me when I am perfectly capable of protecting myself and others, those that can’t care for themselves and those that aren’t willing.'”
While the years have passed, Robert has found strength through ceremonies like this one, but the loss of his son still weighs heavily on his heart.
“It just doesn’t leave,” Robert Wichmann said. “They fought for this country for what it represents. They fought so that people on this weekend and other weekends could sit down with their friends and their families and have a barbecue and play with their kids.”
During the Memorial Day Weekend, Robert hopes the southern Colorado community will take time to remember the fallen men and women who give their all for our country.
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