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Community Corner

Gwinnett Remembers Those Who Made The Ultimate Sacrifice

A Lawrenceville man was memorialized Monday at a ceremony honoring those killed in the line of duty.

Gwinnett County took time Monday to pay homage to local military members who were killed in the line of duty.

 “We wish there was no need for a memorial like this,” said County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash speaking at the Gwinnett County Memorial Day Ceremony at the Fallen Heroes Memorial in Lawrenceville. “We wish there was no need to gather like this. But those of us who owe so much to those that have given so much need to do this.”

The 16 people whose names adorn the memorial, Nash said, came from Lawrenceville, Snellville, Norcross, Loganville, Lilburn and Duluth, but they served halfway around the world and lost their lives while serving their country on foreign soil.  

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The audience of about 200 was asked to reflect on what Memorial Day was intended to represent.  They were asked to take a moment to think of those who died protecting and preserving the very freedom that allowed them to gather at this ceremony. Attendees were also asked to reflect privately for a moment on behalf of those who could not.

“It is a dangerous world that we live in, and these markers are constant reminders that Gwinnett residents have died for us,” District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said. “Today as a community we are surrounding their families with love, support and encouragement. Because we are all there for you.” 

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On hand were the widow and mother of , 24, a former Lawrenceville resident whose name will be added to the Global War on Terrorism Memorial.  He was struck down by an improvised explosive device, or IED, on Jan. 7, 2011. His wife, Brittany, was described as the love of his life, and Ryan’s baseball coach described him as a utility player who could handle any position.

Giese is among the 22 Georgians who have lost their lives this year in the line of duty. 

“Freedom is won and kept at a high cost,” said Maj. Gen. Maria Britt, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard. “We in this country owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who have sacrificed. We must never forget.”

Britt, quoting General Colin Powell said, “When you look back at our history, time and again, we come not to conquer, but to free nations. Neither Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Japan nor the Philippines are represented by a star on our flag. The only foreign land we ask for is to bury our fallen heroes.”

Asking all of us to honor the legacy of the fallen, Britt said, “Remember them always. May God bless all of our fallen comrades.  And may he continue to watch over the men and women now engaged on the frontiers of freedom.”

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