RICHMOND
Amid the roar of F-18s overhead and the sound of taps, the names and pictures of 29 more Virginians who have died this decade in overseas combat were added Thursday to a state wall of honor.
“When you look at the faces of our proud warriors, you look into the soul of Virginia,” said Attorney General Robert McDonnell, who presided over a memorial service on the sun-drenched steps of the state Capitol. It was attended by several hundred people, including the families of fallen troops. A three-volley salute was fired.
The wall stands in the lobby of the Pocahontas Building, which houses the attorney general’s office. With Thursday’s additions, it contains the names, pictures and brief biographies of 170 Virginia servicemen and women who have died in action since the 2000 terrorist bombing of the destroyer Cole.
“The names and faces inscribed on this wall are ordinary Virginians who made extraordinary sacrifices,” said Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman Jr., during a
brief speech at the ceremony.
Army Maj. Gen. John P. McLaren Jr. told the audience that the United States is having “success in building security and making Iraq a safer place.”
He added, “we, as a nation, owe a great debt to the men and women who have sacrificed in this war. They gave their lives so others can have freedom.”
Relatives mourning the loss of loved ones said after the ceremony that they were moved by the tribute.
Army Cpl. Aaron Gautier of Newport News died in Iraq last May when his Humvee was bombed. “It means a lot to hear other people say how much they appreciate his service,” said his sister, Tricia Gautier.
Marine Cpl. Joshua Sticklen of Virginia Beach died in a helicopter crash in late 2006. “It makes you pleased that people are not forgetting,” said his mother, Maggie Sticklen. “But it doesn’t get any easier.”
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
Warren Fiske, (804) 697-1565, warren.fiske@pilotonline.com
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