The 26^th anniversary of one of the worst days in local and national history was commemorated this morning at Fort Campbell Memorial Park, where family members and comrades of the 248 soldiers lost in a plane crash in Gander, Newfoundland paid their respects once again.

All of the fallen soldiers were members of the 2^nd Brigade Combat Team and that unit’s current commander—Colonel Daniel Walrath—was the featured speaker.

Colonel Walrath said the crash shortly after takeoff not only impacted the Army, it also left a scar on the adjoining communities.

The Colonel pointed out that the soldiers were on their way home from a peace-keeping mission on the Sinai Peninsula and was quick to say that mission was successful.

Command Sgt. Major Alonzo Smith assisted Colonel Walrath in laying a wreath at the memorial and Chaplain Colonel Roger Heath led the large crowd in prayer. As always, family members of some of the soldiers placed roses at the memorial where the names of their loved ones are forever remembered.

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12/12/2011/am