Memorial Day Ceremony held at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery
LEAVENWORTH – A ceremony was held on Memorial Day at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in remembrance of those who had fallen.
“Being a prior enlisted individual, I just recently retired, being able to give back to the families who have lost so much on this day—that’s what it’s about, giving back to those who have lost somebody that was once wearing the uniform,” program analyst of DBTMS Matt Gill said. “Giving them the best ceremony that we could possibly do is the least that we can do.”
The ceremony started at 11:40 a.m. and was hosted by Lieutenant General Milford H. Beagle Jr., the Commanding General of the United States Army Combined Arms Center. He was accompanied by Command Sergeant Major Stephen Helton, Command Sergeant Major, United States Army Combined Arms Center.
The joint service detail for the ceremony was represented by Fort Leavenworth’s world class officers of The Army University. The flag details were represented by the soldiers of the Special Troops Battalion.
The invocation was given by Chaplain Wead before the playing of the National Anthem.
A short speech was given on how Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to stop and think about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our country before the wreath laying began.
Wreaths were laid at the gravesite of Henry Leavenworth, an American soldier active in the War of 1812 before going on to establish Leavenworth, Kansas. Lieutenant General Milford Beagle and Command Sergeant Major Stephen Helton placed the first wreath. Representing the international officers on Fort Leavenworth, Colonel Roque Zevallos of Peru and Colonel Michael Kopp of Germany placed a second wreath. A third wreath was placed by British Army Colonel Martin Todd who is here conducting Joint Staff Exercise Operation Eagle Owl with U.S. Officers from the Command and General Staff Officers Course.
A 21 gun salute led by the 500th Military Police Detachment was followed by the playing of TAPS by SGT Christian Percival while the American flag was raised from half-staff (securing of the colors) to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country, ending the ceremony around 12:10 p.m.
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Ian Brannan
Ian Brannan is an independent journalist who founded The Kansas Constitutional in April 2022. His work focuses on issues including abortion, Convention of States, drug policy, education, government, LGBT issues, media, and more. He is also the co-host of the Rainbow Rabble-Rousers podcast.
