Prince William County Honors Fallen Heroes

Public officials, military veterans, family members and others gathered at the Prince William County War Memorial Saturday to honor the 129 county residents who died in wars since World War I.

"Prince William County is proud of all who have served or who are currently serving in the armed forces," said Board of County Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart. "It is in support of these citizens that we share this Armed Forces and Memorial Day Tribute."

Neabsco District Supervisor John Jenkins, a 26-year Army veteran who served two tours in Vietnam and earned two Bronze Star Medals for meritorious service, said it is important for the county to recognize its fallen heroes. "It's a very fitting tribute the county pays to our veterans and lost loved ones who didn't make it through the conflict," he said.

Armed Forces Day is recognized each year on the third Saturday of May. Jenkins said holding the ceremony the week before Memorial Day allows veterans and families to attend services at nearby military bases and veterans' organizations.

The county War Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day 1992 to recognize county residents who had lost their lives in World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam. Since 2006, the names of those who have died in the War on Terror have been engraved on the opposite face of the memorial. Most recently, in 2010, the names of Anthony Davis and Theophilus K. Ansong were added to the memorial.

Freedom Park, the area that houses the memorial, will soon be home to some of the twisted steel beams taken from the wreckage of the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Stewart said the trip to New Jersey to select the beams had been bittersweet. "Sad of course to remember all the senseless loss of life on that tragic day, but the trip also reaffirmed our nation's committment to always remember the brave men and women who have died for your country and the ideals we all stand for and believe in every day."