The Department of the Navy and the City of Chattanooga held a ceremony today at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga’s, McKenzie Arena in memory of the Sailor and four Marines killed in the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) shooting on July 16: Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, Sgt. Carson Holmquist, Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith, and Lance Cpl. Squire Wells.
Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Secretary of the Navy Hon. Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Greenert, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens, Chattanooga Mayor Andrew Berke and many other dignitaries were present and spoke at the ceremony.
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael J. Lieberknecht, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East, writes:
“I want to say, on the behalf of our entire city, we grieve with you,” said Berke. “God bless these families, our great city and the United States of America.”
Mabus talked about the close relationship between Sailors and Marines.
“We are a family, the Navy and Marine Corps family,” said Mabus. “We work together, serve together, overcome together.”
He repeatedly called the fallen and their former co-workers heroes.
“Heroes are ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances,” said Mabus. “That commitment is the essence of Marines and Sailors.”
With a solemn look on his face, Vice President Joe Biden walked on stage to address the crowd.
“I’m honored to be here to join my colleagues, but as I told the family members, I wish I didn’t have to be here,” said Biden.
Biden spent time speaking about each of the five NOSC Chattanooga service members and said they were the embodiment of confidence, commitment, determination, passion and loyalty, adding, they belonged to “the finest generation of warriors the world has ever known.”
He also had a message for the families of the fallen.
“You’re literally an inspiration and America owes you just for being here,” said Biden.
As the ceremony drew to a close, every head in the arena bowed for the benediction and remained silent for the last ‘Roll Call,’ a tribute paid by service members to their fallen comrades. Echo Taps, played by two members of the Marine Corps band, served as a final solemn salute.
“Although we will heal,” said Mabus. “Our Navy and Marine Corps family will never again be completely whole”.
Here are some images:
Battle crosses for fallen service members on stage during the memorial at McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. The memorial honored the four Marines and one Sailor who died in the Navy Operational Support Center Chattanooga shooting July 16. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Wolpert)
Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks during the memorial at McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Wolpert)
Service members and Chattanoogans hold their hands over their hearts as the national anthem is played during the memorial for the fallen. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Wolpert)
The Navy Band Sea Chanters perform during the memorial at McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Wolpert)
Lead photo: A memorial stands outside the Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 13, 2015, to honor the four Marines and sailor killed during the July 16 shooting in the Navy Operational Support Center Chattanooga.
All photos and captions: DOD
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The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.