Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez, USAF
Photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Davis, USAF
NTM-A
As the sun set over Camp Eggers on Memorial Day, hundreds of coalition members gathered to pay tribute to comrades lost in battle – not just U.S. fallen heroes, but fallen heroes from every nation.
During the coalition memorial remembrance ceremony, service members who gave their life in support of Operation Enduring Freedom were honored with a moment of silence and a roll call of their names during a candlelight ceremony.
“Those that have given their last full measure for this mission are as varied as those that serve here today,” said Army Lt. Gen. William Caldwell IV, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan commanding general. “Privates to chief warrant officers to lieutenant colonels – from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Latvia, the United States and from Afghanistan – they are members of all services, from National Guard, Reserve and Active components.”
While many countries have their own dedicated day set aside to remember the fallen members of their armed forces, special effort was made to include all coalition countries into the Memorial Day remembrance as a sign of the joint effort and sacrifice happening in Afghanistan. Representatives of many coalition nations were present at the ceremony, raising flags, lighting candles and paying their respects.
Attending the ceremony as an honored guest was Army Maj. Rebecca Eggers, wife of Army Capt. Daniel Eggers whom the camp is named after. Daniel Eggers, a Special Forces detachment commander, was killed May 29, 2004, by an improvised explosive device near Kandahar.
In March 2005, Kabul Compound was renamed Camp Eggers. Rebecca Eggers was not able to attend the dedication ceremony, but e-mailed the commanding general at the time to ask him why he chose Daniel Eggers for the honor.
“He said Dan’s sacrifice was important; it stood for quite a lot,” said Rebecca Eggers, who is currently deployed to Southwest Asia as Chief, Personnel Accounting Branch and Strength Reporting Branch. “He was an officer and there were few officers (dying) at the time. He was Special Forces and at the time, most of the operations were Special Forces.”
Growing up with a Army Reserve colonel as a mother and a father who was a Green Beret during Vietnam, Rebecca Eggers was always familiar with Memorial Day and its special meaning. Since her husband was killed, the holiday has a more personal feeling.
“Memorial Day’s always been important to us,” she said, but since her husband’s death it’s become more personal and more difficult, especially considering he was killed over Memorial Day weekend.
As fallen service members are remembered around the world, there is one thing Rebecca Eggers wants people to remember about her husband, particularly those who are serving at Camp Eggers.
“I would want them to know he was funny; he was smart. He absolutely loved what he did. He was killed doing what he loved,” she said. “He truly thought he was doing good and I think that’s what matters.”
While remembering the fallen, like Daniel Eggers, Caldwell took time out to recognize those who are currently serving.
“While today is dedicated to those that we have lost, I want to also take this opportunity to thank you for your service to NTM-A/CSTC-A and Afghanistan,” he said to the somber crowd. “Each of you, and your families, have sacrificed, and continue to sacrifice, to protect your nation and make a difference in this country. For almost nine years we have all missed birthdays, holidays, first steps, and anniversaries while in service to our nations. Thank you for the sacrifices that you and your families endure as defenders of your nation and Afghanistan.”
For the men and women serving in Afghanistan, Rebecca Eggers had one wish. “I’d want them to take pride in what they’re doing,” she said. “I’d want them to be safe and pay extra diligence to make sure they’re taking care of their fellow service members and they get home safe.”
Caption: Kabul - Coalition Forces raise international flags from half mast during a ceremony for fallen comrades on Memorial Day May 31, 2010. A ceremony held in honor of all fallen comrades of all wars and all nations was held at Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Matt Davis)
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2010-06-01 04:12:10 | Anne Marie Daniels - Mrs
Great article and we are indebted to our fallen heroes for their bravery and alliagence to this country. Cpt Daniel William Eggers is my older brother. The Eggers Family thinks of Danny everyday but especially on Memorial Day/Weekend. May God Bless the brave men and women who continue to fight for our freedom. As Danny would say, De Opresso Liber. Thank you. Anne Marie Daniels (Eggers)
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2010-06-01 13:52:45 | Jørgen Thostrup - Min største respekt til de faldne soldater
Kære soldater som endte deres liv på slagmarken, I har min største rspekt. I gav det dyrebareste I har, nemlig jeres liv. I kæmpede for en sag som I troede på. I har ikke kæmpet forgæves. Vel Done. Jeres kollegaer kæmper viderer for jer og sagen som de tror på. I vil stadig være i hjertet hos jeres kære.
Jørgen Thostrup
Denmark
Like falling leaves the years drift by, but our fond memories of you Will never die. In our hearts you Will Always stay, loved and remembered every day. Unseen, unheard, you are Always near, still loved, still missed, still very dear.