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News | June 1, 2017

Council Rock 15 inspires Troop Support commander

By Agneta Murnan DLA Troop Support Public Affairs

In honor of the Council Rock 15 and all fallen United States service members, the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support commander participated in a Memorial Day ceremony at Council Rock North High School May 26 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

Army Brig. Gen. Charles Hamilton joined American Legion Morell Smith Post #440 in commemorating the high school’s 15 graduates who did not return home from America’s armed conflicts: 12 were killed in action and one is missing in action in Vietnam; one was killed in action in Iraq; and one was killed in action in Afghanistan. Some of the Post #440 members had known the Vietnam soldiers as high school friends and classmates.

“I can tell you right now that I’m truly inspired,” Hamilton told the audience of junior and senior high school students. He referred to photos of the 15 graduates arranged on stage when he said, “I’m truly inspired to even serve longer, and even work harder, based on their service to our country.”

The general and audience stood and applauded for the family members of the Council Rock 15 in attendance at the ceremony.

“It’s through events like this today that we keep the great memories alive in our hearts and show these great young men they’ll never be forgotten,” said Hamilton.

Several groups of students took part in the ceremony, including members of the student executive board, the color guard, the NorthVoice choral group and the school’s buglers. As the buglers played taps, another group of students laid a rose at the base of each picture of the Council Rock 15 on stage.

Principal Susan McCarthy urged students to reflect on the true meaning of the day despite the festivities of the Memorial Day holiday.

“Be mindful of the sacrifices of others before we enjoy the freedoms these sacrifices have enabled us to experience,” McCarthy said. Citing the Council Rock 15 and fallen service members nationwide, she continued, “It is their ultimate sacrifice that has served to keep America free and secure.”