Subscribe
"Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

"Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

One of the panels from  "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

One of the panels from "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Part of one of the panels from "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The panels have a military and non-military photo of each servicemember, in addition to personal information.

Part of one of the panels from "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The panels have a military and non-military photo of each servicemember, in addition to personal information. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

A Gold Star family member salutes during a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

A Gold Star family member salutes during a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Bugler Master Sgt. Todd Taylor plays taps at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Bugler Master Sgt. Todd Taylor plays taps at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Gold Star Mother Noala Fritz, whose son, Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, was killed in Iraq on Jan. 20, 2007, is overcome with emotion as she joins the West Point Alumni Glee Club in singing "Mansions of the Lord" at a "Remembering Our Fallen" ceremony September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Jacob Fritz, a West Point graduate, was one of those singing the song at te end of the movie "We Were Soldiers."

Gold Star Mother Noala Fritz, whose son, Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, was killed in Iraq on Jan. 20, 2007, is overcome with emotion as she joins the West Point Alumni Glee Club in singing "Mansions of the Lord" at a "Remembering Our Fallen" ceremony September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Jacob Fritz, a West Point graduate, was one of those singing the song at te end of the movie "We Were Soldiers." (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

The West Point Alumni Glee Club performs at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The West Point Alumni Glee Club performs at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Gold Star parents Stan and Shirley White look art one of the panels from "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Gold Star parents Stan and Shirley White look art one of the panels from "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Gold Star parents Stan and Shirley White at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Gold Star parents Stan and Shirley White at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Gold Star Mother Janice Chance, foreground, whose son, Capt. Jesse Melton III was killed in Afghanistan, listens as other family members speak during a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Gold Star Mother Janice Chance, foreground, whose son, Capt. Jesse Melton III was killed in Afghanistan, listens as other family members speak during a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Family members line up to remember their fallen relatives during a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Family members line up to remember their fallen relatives during a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Lt. Col. R. Tyler Willbanks, deputy commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard), speaks at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Lt. Col. R. Tyler Willbanks, deputy commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard), speaks at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Lonnie Ford, father of fallen Army Spc. Joshua Ford, at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Lonnie Ford, father of fallen Army Spc. Joshua Ford, at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Family members embrace during a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Family members embrace during a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Gold Star family members at "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Gold Star family members at "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

At a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

At a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

At a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

At a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Evonne Williams of Patriotic Productions speaks at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, Sept. 7, 2017, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Behind her is her husband, Bill.

Evonne Williams of Patriotic Productions speaks at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, Sept. 7, 2017, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Behind her is her husband, Bill. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Part of the Navy Color Guard at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Part of the Navy Color Guard at a ceremony for "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

"Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

"Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Gold Star Mother Noala Fritz, whose son, Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, was killed in Iraq on Jan. 20, 2007, points to the photos of her son on a panel of "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

Gold Star Mother Noala Fritz, whose son, Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, was killed in Iraq on Jan. 20, 2007, points to the photos of her son on a panel of "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, September 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Two Gold Star Family members look at one of the panels on "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, Sept. 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Two Gold Star Family members look at one of the panels on "Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, Sept. 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

"Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, Sept. 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"Remembering Our Fallen," a traveling tribute to those who have died since 9/11 in the war against terrorism, Sept. 7, 2017 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON — At the edge of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, 40 “Tribute Towers” gave visitors to the nation’s capital a chance to connect with about 5,000 U.S. servicemembers who have died since 9/11 in the Global War on Terrorism.

It was the national unveiling of “Remembering Our Fallen,” a photo exhibit that opened Thursday and will cross the country for the next three months. The double-sided, weather-resistant banners, 10 feet high and five feet wide, feature military and civilian photos of each of the fallen heroes, with information about who they were and when they died.

The effort began in 2010, when Nebraska residents Bill and Evonne Williams read a story about Gold Star father Lonnie Ford, whose 20-year-old son, Joshua, was killed in Iraq in 2006. Ford believed that his son had been forgotten, and the Williamses set out to do something about that.

“We hope you are pleased with what you see in front of you, and that we have honored your loved ones,” Evonne Williams told dozens of Gold Star family members Thursday. “Part of what we want this memorial to do is to teach Americans to speak the names of your loved ones and others who have died, no matter what the cause may have been. It’s so important that we remember them, especially if they have young ones — nieces, nephews, children — who don’t know who they were.”

The families were pleased.

“We’re just so appreciative that this is being done today,” said Shirley White, of West Virginia, who lost two sons — one in battle and one to overprescription of the controversial anti-psychotic drug Seroquel (quetiapine) after his return from the Iraq. “Because we can say our children’s names out loud, and that really helps.”

Robert White, an Army Ranger with the 82nd Airborne, “was in Afghanistan for the elections, trying to protect the elections” in 2005, White’s husband, Stan, said. The staff sergeant was killed when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his Humvee.

“My youngest son, Andrew, U.S. Marine corporal, was in Iraq at the same time (as Robert). He had been home five days when we got word that his brother was killed. Two and a half years later, he died a noncombat death. His mother found him in bed, dead. ... He was taking 1,600 mgs of Seroquel a day; 800 is the maximum clinical dose. He went to sleep and didn’t wake up.”

White’s mission is to honor both of his sons “and spread the word about medications that are doing more harm than they are good.”

Lt. Col. R. Tyler Willbanks, deputy commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”), also noted that there have been many deaths in the War on Terror that were caused by more than bullets and bombs.

“I personally now have lost more soldiers to suicide than at the hands of the Mosul sniper,” he said. “There is no reckoning for that.”

Also on hand Thursday was Janice Chance of Maryland, whose 29-year-old son, Marine Capt. Jesse Melton III — who “wanted to go change the world” — was killed in Afghanistan in 2008.

“Seeing this display, it’s hard to capture with words,” she said. But I’m thankful that we have a visual reminder to people. It’s something seeing names on a wall, but seeing pictures has more of an impact. Seeing the dates, where they were, what happened. That will be forever etched in someone’s mind, because the mind is a computer. They will remember the faces of these fallen.

“These are the heroes, the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. So it makes me happy and glad and joyful that not only is it shown here, but it’s going to be mobile, moving to different locations so that more people can see them. I pray that they will (later) take the time, go on the internet and look someone up, read about them, then go out and volunteer, make a difference.”

In his opening remarks, Bill Williams told the story of the memorial’s growth from the local to the national level.

“Proud to say that our first exhibit, the Nebraska exhibit, has been booked every week — not a week off — since January 2 of 2011, all over the state, seen by thousands. We went on and created 19 total state exhibits, thanks to Bellevue University in Omaha, and two years ago we unveiled the California exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif.,” — the destination of the current national tour.

Williams said California has lost the most native sons and daughters in the War on Terror -- more than 700 of them. “To put that in perspective,” he said, “our Nebraska exhibit, Kansas, South Carolina, a couple of others are 40 feet long; California’s is 240 feet long.”

The next stop for the exhibit is Hampton, Va., on Sept. 23, followed by New York City in early November. Then it’s on to California, with a stop along the way in Cheyenne, Wyo. Williams said anyone interested in hosting a stop should contact his Patriotic Productions office. More information can also be found at www.rememberingourfallen.org.

Janice Chance had a final word for the public: “Never, ever forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for you. Honor them and their families. There’s a family attached to each and every one of these fallen heroes.”

gromelski.joe@stripes.com

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now