Posted at 4:38 p.m., Sunday, November 5, 2006
Hawai'i Guard honors the fallen
Advertiser Staff
Eighteen "brave heroes" from Hawai'i's Army National Guard 29th Infantry Brigade who died during Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment in 2005 were honored today during a ceremony at the brigade's headquarters in Kalaeloa.For the first time since the Vietnam War, the 29th Brigade erected a plaque to honor those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during in Iraq and Kuwait. The plaque now stands alongside another honoring 29 soldiers who died during the brigade's 1968 Vietnam War call-up.
Maj. General Robert Lee recalled October 2, 2004 when about 2,500 soldiers of the 29th Brigade Combat Team stood in formation at Aloha Stadium before being deployed.
"Like many citizens of Hawai'i, I will remember that day forever. Hawai'i saw the patriotism, bravery and sacrifice of our sons and daughters," he said.
About 200 soldiers, families and friends and Gov. Linda Lingle attended the unveiling.
