MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY -- Major Stephen Lacovara, program manager, Logistics Capabilities Center, Marine Corps Logistics Command, was one of several guests including local leaders, first responders and active-duty military, participating in the 15th annual Patriot's Field of Flags in front of the Albany Mall, Sept. 10.
The 9/11 program, organized by the American Legion Post 30 every year since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, remembers those who were killed and injured during the terrorist attacks and celebrates the heroic response.
As a field of 870 flags sporadically unfurled and flapped in the wind, beneath them stood 146 small crosses.
“The crosses served as a memorial to the 146 active-duty service members who have died in combat since World War 1 whose home of record is either Dougherty or Lee County,” explained Marvin Mixon, program coordinator. “There have been 217 men and women from Georgia killed since 9/11.”
Lacovara said it was nice to see that communities, like Albany, hold tributes like the 9/11 ceremony so we never forget the tragic events that took place that day.
“The tributes serve as a reminder for us all to remain ever vigilant while honoring all (who) have and continue to serve so we can preserve the American way of life,” he said. Our country is far from perfect, but we continue to try and get a little better with each passing year.
“If we can all slowly continue to make our way of life a little better, year to year, those who have passed since 9/11 - who have nobly taken up the cause in order to prevent another event as tragic as 9/11 - will have not died in vain,” he continued. “9/11 ceremonies serve as this reminder, for me.”
Lacovara also noted it was an honor and privilege to represent the Marine Corps at this ceremony as he conducted the ceremonial roll call of the service members killed in action since 9/11.