Two days ago we had a Fallen Soldier ceremony for one of our Illinios soldiers. He was a young kid who died from a roadside bomb. I hate Fallen Soldier ceremonies. A display is always erected with the soldier's boots on the ground, his rifle with a bayonet planted into a stand, his helmet on top, and his dog tags hung from the weapon. It is a sight that no soldier wants to see. The worst part of the ceremony is following the 21 gun salute. It is when the First Sergeant does role call. Several soldiers are called by name with the response, "Here, First Sergeant." Then the fallen soldiers name is called without response, his/her name is called two more times without response before Taps is played. Even if you didn't know the soldier, that sequence is bone-chilling. I did not know this soldier, but his loss is still felt. I had the honor of being the Commander of Troops for the ceremony because I am the senior Field Artillery officer, and the fallen soldier was a medic in one of our Field Artillery Battalions. Farewell, friend.
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