The document describes the dedication ceremony for the Veteran Falls Memorial Park, which honors American soldiers who died since 9/11. Robert Stapleton, who founded the memorial, spoke at the event about honoring the fallen and never forgetting their sacrifice. He presented memorial stones to the families of PFC. Aaron Mark Hudson and SPC. William J. Byler, and other guests were in attendance, including Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell, the sole survivor of the plane that hit the Pentagon on 9/11. The ceremony honored the memory of the fallen soldiers and the continuing work to complete the memorial.
2. Robert Stapleton (off center to right) speaking to the distinguished guests about his vision and desire to build the Veteran Falls Memorial Park, and why this memorial is needed.
3. Robert Stapleton continuing to speak to the distinguished guests, and representatives from 2 news organizations,”…this fitting memorial to the Veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 9/11/2001.”
5. Lt. Col (Ret.) Brian Birdwell and his wife Mel, founders of the Face The Fire Ministries, and Gayle Bender of Cowboy Stone Carver's stand reverently as Robert Stapleton speaks about how we must never forget 9/11 and why Veteran Falls Memorial is so important.
6. Robert Stapleton leading the family of the late PFC. Aaron Mark Hudson, into the canyon. His mother Annette, his father Mark, and his Uncle Jeff McKenzie, as the other invited guests look on.
7. Robert Stapleton speaking to the Byler & Hudson families about the love that America has for their brave fallen sons.
8. Robert Stapleton gets choked up seeing the photo of the late PFC. Aaron Mark Hudson. "It is hard at times to control your emotions," Robert says. This as Aaron's parents, Annette & Mark Hudson, and his Uncle Jeff McKenzie look on
9. Robert says emotionally, "Because of PFC. Aaron Mark Hudson's ultimate sacrifice we have the freedoms that we have."
12. Robert Stapleton prepares to give each of the parents of the fallen soldiers a special Remembrance Stone designed by Gayle Bender of Cowboy Stone Carver's.
13. Annette & Mark Hudson look proudly at the Remembrance Stone dedicated to their son's memory. He will never be forgotten.
15. The Remembrance Stone of PFC. Aaron Mark Hudson will always be apart of the Veteran Falls Memorial. May we never forget his honorable sacrifice for his country.
16. Robert Stapleton & Annette Hudson exchange an embrace after the laying of their son's Remembrance Stone.
17. Robert Stapleton sits proudly with the parents of PFC. Aaron Mark Hudson, his portrait, and his specially designed Remembrance Stone
18. Robert speaking with the family of SPC. William J. Byler, his father Will Byler, and his mother Karen Byler. This as the family of PFC. Aaron Keith Hudson watches on.
19. Robert Stapleton now hands Will & Karen Bylar the Remembrance Stone for their son SPC. William J. Bylar
20. The Remembrance Stone of SPC. William J. Byler will always be apart of the Veteran Falls Memorial. May we never forget his honorable sacrifice for his country.
21. Karen Byler mother of SPC. William J. Byler hugs Robert Stapleton as his father Will Byler stares proudly at his son's Remembrance Stone.
22. Robert Stapleton & Will & Karen Byler sit proudly with the Remembrance Stone of SPC. William J. Byler.
23. Robert Stapleton listens to Lt. Col. (Ret) Brian Birdwell as he speaks about the need of Veteran Falls, for our troops and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 9/11.
24. Lt. Col. (Ret) Brian Birdwell was the only survivor of the direct impact from the plane that hit the Pentagon on 9/11. He was critically wounded, but by God's grace he survived, today he and his wife have established the Face The Fire Ministries.
25. Lt. Col. (Ret) Brian Birdwell thanks Karen Byler mother of SPC. William J. Byler (KIA October 31, 2005) by giving her a special coin from his, Face The Fire Ministries. This as Will Byler her husband, Mark Hudson father of a fallen soldier PFC. Aaron Keith Hudson, and Ken Hackett watch on.
26. The beautifully designed coin in the shape of the Pentagon has an American Flag with gold letters over the top, "Face The Fire,“ for Mrs. Karen Bylar.
27. Lt. Col. (Ret) Brian Birdwell thanks Annette Hudson mother of PFC. Aaron Mark Hudson (KIA April 16, 2005) by giving her a special coin from his Face The Fire Ministries. This as her husband, Mark Hudson, Karen Byler mother of SPC. William J Byler, and Ken Hackett watch on.
28. The beautifully designed coin in the shape of the Pentagon has an American Flag with gold letters over the top reading, "Face The Fire,“ for Mrs. Annette Hudson.
29. Robert Stapleton is proud to be in the company of real American Hero's like SPC. Heather Henderson.
30. Robert Stapleton and the man who he gives credit to for getting this project going, Ken Hackett.
31. Robert Stapleton along with Gayle Bender of Cowboy Stone Carver's sit with one the Remembrance Stones.
32. Mel & Lt. Col (Ret.) Brian Birdwell stand happily with Robert & Vickie Stapleton in front of temporary Veteran Falls Memorial Park, stone.
33. It did not go unnoticed that during the entire ceremony there were two large birds soaring over the serenity of the Veteran Falls Memorial that emotional day.
34. SPC. Heather Henderson pays her respect to her fallen comrade. One American Hero to another.
37. The wonderful folks of Serendipity's in beautiful Granbury Texas, prepared a fantastic meal which will remain near and dear to all of the participants present. From Left to Right...Will Byler, Karen Byler, Jenny, Karen, and Mark of Serendipity's Bed & Breakfast, Vickie & Robert Stapleton.
38. As memorable as the day was honoring two American Hero's, Mr. Stapleton knows that there is still much work to be done!
39. “We must never forget who and what they are fighting for!” -Robert Stapleton
40. FOR MORE INFORMATION, ON HOW YOU CAN HELP… @veteranfalls Veteran Falls ATTN: Veteran Falls P.O. Box 1455 Granbury, TX 76048 U.S.A.