Second Annual 'Time of Remembrance'

2006 Children

Due to the political sorrow brought our way, I wasn’t able to concentrate as much as I wanted to on the posts for the last few days. I’m sorry for letting it all get to me. I suppose that I am very green when it comes to things like that.

May 20, 2007 was the second annual gathering of families who’ve lost a loved one in Afghanistan or Iraq. While Greg and I were not able to attend this year, we did attend in 2006.

I know it must have been special for the families this year. It meant a great deal to us on May 21, 2006. I know I’ve shown some of our 2006 photos before, and I’m certain I’ve shown these two, but thought I’d share them again for new readers.

Greg and I sat at the very back so that he could take photos. The lady directly in front of me lost her son on the USS Cole. I’ll never forget the few moments we shared.

To all of the families: God’s Peace.


De'on & Greg
May 21, 2006


2007 Children
Quincy Jallah, son of a fallen soldier, honors the presentation of colors during the “Time of Remembrance” ceremony today near the Washington Monument. Photo by Melinda L. Larson (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Families of Fallen Honored During ‘Time of Remembrance’
By Melinda L. Larson
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, May 20, 2007 – More than 3,100 families and friends of servicemembers lost in Iraq and Afghanistan gathered on the grounds of the Washington Monument today to remember their loved ones during a “Time of Remembrance” tribute.

The event, in its second year, was initiated by the White House Commission on Remembrance, established by Congress in 2000. Its purpose is to encourage Americans to honor those who died for their country’s freedoms by giving something back to the country in their memory.

Family members from all 50 states attended and many traveled from as far away as Guam, Germany and India.

“The families here today paid the highest price a family can pay for freedom - the loss of a loved one who gave his or her life in service to our country,” R. James Nicholson, secretary of Veterans Affairs, said during his remarks. “Those of you here today and all of the families of fallen soldiers will still bear the mortal weight of the final victory.”

For Florence Jallah, whose husband, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Jallah Jr., served during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, words could not describe what the ceremony meant to her and her seven children.

“I can’t use words to describe how I feel because the feeling is so profound,” she said. “Watching my children here today, remembering their dad in his battle dress uniform or his class As, brings back the memories of him and the kids always asking him, ‘Daddy where are you going? When will you be back? Can we come?’”

Jallah’s 16-year-old son Quincy was touched that others cared about his father.

“This ceremony means other people care and value what soldiers have done for our country. That means a lot to me,” he said.

Click here for continued story.