Between 1775 and 1991, America lost 651,031 men and women in battle. The Global War on Terror after 2001 added another 6,637 to the toll that war takes on our nation.
The Student Veterans Organization, a University of Wyoming RSO, will host the National Roll Call Remembrance Day beginning at 8 a.m. Monday in Simpson Plaza. Support for the event comes from the US Army and Air Force ROTC and the UW Veteran’s Services Center. Throughout the day, the names of the men and women who died defending our country during the War on Terror will be read.
“If I was to choose one event this would be the most important one,” Tim Freye, a veteran and spokesperson for SVO, said.
It is important to recognize those who have fallen in the line of duty, as well as let those who survived know that we have not forgotten the sacrifices they make and have made for our country, Freye said.
This is a part of our history and by recognizing these men and women, it will help us get past this point in our history, Freye said. While he admits that events like this might stir up bad memories for some, he said they also help bring peace and closure for others, “because we are remembering their friends who were killed in action.”
Volunteers will read the name, rank and branch of service for more than 6,500 men and women killed in the line of duty since 2001, Freye said. The event ends when the last name is read.
“We don’t have hometowns for everyone, so those won’t be included,” Freye said. He said he feels those who benefit from the event would be served better if that sort of separation was not made.
The elimination of a soldier’s hometown brings the larger community together, Freye said.
“When I was in the service, hometown was never important.”
The ceremony will begin with a posting of the colors by veterans of the Marine Corp and Navy, and US Army and Air Force ROTC. At 11 a.m., there will be a national Moment of Silence in which to remember those who have given their lives for freedom followed by a round of Taps.
For more information about the event or to volunteer to read the names contact Tim Freye at tfreye@uwyo.edu.
