Hundreds of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) soldiers on Joint Base Lewis-McChord gathered under an uncharacteristically cloudless November sky on Wednesday to pay tribute to their fellow and fallen soldiers during the unit's annual Veterans Day ceremony.

On hand for the event were I Corps Command Sgt. Major Frank Grippe and DuPont Mayor Tamara Jenkins. But the "most special and honored guests" were the families of soldiers who have died over the past year -  Sgt.  Andrew Creighton; Staff Sgt. Rusty Christian; Master Sgt. Mark Coleman;  Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Shaw; and Staff Sgt. Jack Martin, III - said 1st SFG (A) Commander Col. Fran Beaudette. "We are honored by your attendance and humbled by the sacrifice you and your loved ones have made to this nation," he said.

The annual ceremony is held to "pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who, in the defense of our freedom and accomplishment of national objectives, have bravely worn the uniform of the United States," said Beaudette during his remarks. "America's veterans have always, and will always, answer our nation's call."

Etched into the 1st SFG (A) Memorial Wall - a black granite slab erected adjacent to the Group's headquarters in 2004 - are the names of 169 fallen 1st SFG (A) soldiers. The most recent name, that of Creighton, who died July 4 in Afghanistan, was unveiled during Wednesday's ceremony. Creighton was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st SFG (A) as a signal intelligence specialist.

"Our country and its deserving citizens will forever remain indebted to our veterans for their selfless sacrifice, quiet courage and exemplary service," Beaudette said. "We especially remain indebted to those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense."

Following the service, family members took an opportunity to visit the wall, gently touching their soldier's name and taking photos. Spc. Allen Creighton, brother of Sgt. Andrew Creighton, walked quietly with his young son, Ayden, and wife Brittney, to place a lei at the base of the memorial. Spc. Creighton, who's stationed in Hawaii, said the group has been steadfast in its support of the entire family. "They've been amazing," he said. "They call and make sure the family is doing okay."

"On Veterans Day," said Beaudette, "as we should on every day, we endeavor to remember these heroes for what they stood for and stand for."