In policy switch, Fort Lewis OKs weekly memorial rites

[babylonsister]

In policy switch, Fort Lewis OKs weekly memorial rites

By Hal Bernton

Seattle Times staff reporter


Fort Lewis memorial services for fallen soldiers will be held as often as once a week under a policy announced Wednesday by the post's new commander, Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby.

It reverses a decision made by his predecessor, Brig. Gen. William Troy, who as acting commander stoked a controversy by proposing to consolidate the memorials in a large monthly service.

With the number of casualties reaching 20 soldiers in May, critics said the monthly memorials would not pay proper respect to the sacrifices of those who die in Iraq.

In recent weeks, Jacoby has attended the memorial services, questioned people at Fort Lewis and in surrounding communities and asked the Army Inspector General to conduct a survey.

Jacoby decided to set aside Wednesdays for memorial services, a day that he said is easier for families coming from far away to book travel. Each unit then would be free to schedule either individual or group memorials on that day of the week.

The post is deeply engaged in Iraq, with 11,000 soldiers now serving there. Fort Lewis has lost 141 soldiers in Iraq and nine in Afghanistan.

more...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003806363_fortlewis26m.html

[Missy Vixen]

1. Somehow, I'm thinking the Lieutenant General

was tired of the roasty-toasty he's been getting over the once a month policy.

If we can ship them off to die for our country in an unjust and illegal war, the least we can do is offer the dignity of individual remembrance.

Julie