82nd Airborne holds memorial for slain paratroopers
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — About 300 people turned out today to pay tribute to paratroopers killed in battle during the 82nd Airborne Division's memorial service at Fort Bragg.
The annual ceremony is traditionally held each May as part of "All American Week," a homecoming celebration that was canceled this year because so many soldiers are serving overseas.
Three of the division's four combat brigades and the division's headquarters unit are deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. The fourth combat brigade is scheduled to deploy to Iraq this summer.
Retired paratroopers, Army brass and about 35 families of soldiers killed in combat were among those attending the outdoor service, held next to the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum. The ceremony included invocations, a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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