The D.C. government is talking about honoring its fallen soldiers more than four years after the first of five District residents died fighting the war on terrorism.
A majority of the D.C. Council is backing legislation requiring Mayor Adrian Fenty to host a reception on May 30, 2008, in honor of District residents who have died in Iraq or Afghanistan. The reception, in addition to a plaque or sculpture to be placed in the Wilson Building, would be financed with public dollars and private donations.
“It was just the right thing to do,” said Ward 5 Council Member Harry Thomas, who was behind the bill. “The folks that serve are not honored and they’re fighting for the freedom of our country. It’s just a personal passion for me.”
Thomas, a freshman on the council, said he was surprised to learn the government had done nothing since 2001 to memorialize those killed overseas. He introduced legislation, he said, “to make it official.”
“We look forward to working with the council in celebrating and honoring those from the District of Columbia who served in Iraq and to try to commemorate those who served in other wars for our country,” the mayor said Friday.
Ray Kimbrough, of Arkansas, said his brother, Lt. Col. Paul Kimbrough, hasn’t received any honors since his death on Oct. 3, 2003. Paul Kimbrough, a D.C. resident with the Army Reserve 416th Engineer Command, died during medical transport from Afghanistan to Turkey.
“It is about time,” Ray Kimbrough said of the legislation. “It really is.”
The District’s fallen, in addition to Kimbrough:
» Marine Lance Cpl. Gregory MacDonald, 29, was killed June 25, 2003, in Iraq.
» Army Spc. Darryl Dent, 21, died on Aug. 26, 2003, in Southeast Arimadi, Iraq.
» Marine Maj. Kevin Shea, 38, was killed Sept. 14, 2004, in Anbar province.
» Army Capt. Darrell C. Lewis, 31, was killed June 23 in Vashir City, Afghanistan.
