MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Service members, friends and families gathered to honor and pay respects to three fallen Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, during a remembrance ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 28, 2011.
Sgt. Matthew J. DeYoung, Cpl. Sean A. Osterman and Cpl. Jordan R. Stanton were killed in combat during their most recent deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
To begin the ceremony, Marines walked to the podium and read off pieces of scripture from the Bible to the audience. Once finished, Lt. Col. Lawrence “Sonny” K. Hussey, the commanding officer for the battalion, made his remarks about the Marines that had fallen.
“The memorials in Afghanistan were done, the funerals were conducted here in the states, and time has passed,” said Hussey. “But now that we have the battalion back here at Camp Lejeune with all the families and friends in attendance, it is fitting and proper to honor our men with everyone together in the same place.”
Hussey spoke about the greatness of the three Marines and how they had paid the biggest sacrifice to accomplish the mission and serve their country and fellow Marines.
“I count Sean, Matt and Jordan among those warriors who had a calling to serve,” said Hussey. “They made the ultimate sacrifice and paid the highest cost while fighting our nation's enemies. I give thanks that I had the opportunity to serve alongside men such as these.”
As the remembrance ceremony continued, close friends and commanding officers who served with the fallen Marines were given a chance to come to the podium and pay their respects. They each shared a favorite story and description about one of their fallen brothers-in-arms.
“While time will allow us to mend and to grieve, I challenge you to remember Jordan again tomorrow and the next day and for the remainder of your days,” said Maj. Jake Hood, the commanding officer for Company B, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. “Let him serve as a daily inspiration to the way you live your life, serve our country and lead our Marines. Do that, and we’ll rightfully honor the sacrifice made by him and his family.”
At the conclusion of the service, Sgt. Maj. George Rabidou, the sergeant major for the battalion, stood in front of the Marines as they came to attention and did a role call. As he called the names of each of the fallen Marines, there was no response and a silence hung in the air. After several moments, the only audible sounds came from two trumpets playing “Taps” to a battalion of saluting Marines.