On April 2, 2011, Freedom Quilts hosted a special memorial event at the Freedom Quilts shop in honor of three soldiers and one 9/11 firefighter’s family. During the ceremony, a Battle Cross Memorial was performed in honor and memory our lost heroes.
Perhaps you've seen the Battle Cross before -- combat boots, a rifle, helmet and dog tags. But were you aware of the meaning behind the Battle Cross?
When a serviceman or woman is lost in the battlefield, it has become customary to arrange their rifle pointing downward along with their boots and helmet. Surviving members of their squad gather around and memorialize their fallen comrades. Some of the troops will pray, others might recall personal stories, but make no mistake, this is a ceremony that is taken very seriously. Every soldier knows the next ceremony might be for them.
When a rifle with bayonet is downward into the ground, it is a memorial of a soldier killed in action. It also signals a time for prayer, a break in the action to pay tribute to our friend and hero.
Dog tags identify the soldier's name so he or she will never be forgotten.
The helmet is also a symbol of this great sacrifice.
Combat boots represents the final march of the soldier last battle.
May we stand together in honor and memory of our fallen heroes.
No comments:
Post a Comment