There has been some unfortunate mis-information spread over the last couple of days regarding the Gander Memorial on Fort Campbell. If youve not heard or read any of this inaccurate information, mostly on a few social media sites, there is absolutely no truth whatsoever to any accusation or rumor that Fort Campbell intends to relocate the Gander Memorial to make way for any construction. Secondly, there is no planned meeting on this subject scheduled in September or any other time. Forestry agents have identified trees within the grove of Canadian Maples, which make up the bulk of the memorial, that are going to die. The trees are congested in very close proximity to each other. This has prompted officials to think about how to handle this situation. Different options are being reviewed, but there has been no plan made for anything at this time. Life and health of the trees is the only topic being discussed. The Gander tragedy is woven into the core of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell history. Fort Campbell, Hopkinsville, KY and Gander, Newfoundland each holds a memorial ceremony every December 12 to commemorate the 248 Screaming Eagles and eight crew-members who lost their lives in the crash. Preserving the memory of each fallen Solider and crewman is, has, and always will be a focus of respect and honor on Fort Campbell. We extend that respect, honor and gratitude to the surviving Family members as well. The grove is a place of reverence, solitude and reflection, as well as beauty, as it should be. As the Garrison Commander COL Buck Dellinger points out, The Gander Memorial located between Screaming Eagle Boulevard and Normandy Drive will continue to anchor our Memorial Row area we are developing, which is essentially in the center of post. The goal is to highlight our memorials in one central location. The Gander Memorial just so happens to already be in that central location. For future Gold Star events, we intend to emphasize the memorials and the sacrifice that our Soldiers and Families have made over the storied history of this great Division and Post. (RNJ)
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 19:14:11 +0000
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