Community comes together to honor fallen soldiers

The Remembering Our Fallen exhibit, a photographic war memorial that honors our country’s military fallen from The War on Terror (Sept. 11, 2001 to present,) visited Falls County this week. Unlike brick and mortar memorials, Remembering Our Fallen is designed to travel and includes both military and personal photos. Its legacy will be that these men and women will be  remembered and their names will be spoken, while helping to lessen the grief of their families. 

Those recognized are separated by color into groups according to the circumstances surrounding their death. They are grouped by those who passed while in Iraq (tan,) those who died stateside while in training exercises (red,) and those who took their own life due to PTSD upon returning home. This was the only stop in Texas this year.

The event commenced with a welcoming party that escorted the exhibit through town and to the Falls County Youth Fair grounds on Sunday, Oct. 25. Flashing lights and sirens took over downtown as the caravan of first responders passed through crowds of tear-jerked people cheering it on.

An opening ceremony was held on Oct. 27, attended by state officials, including Senator Brian Birdwell and House Representative Kyle Kacal. It opened the doors for a successful week. 

During the visit, Birdwell presented Nola Fritz, who brought  the exhibit to Marlin, with a challenge coin. A challenge coin is a specially designed coin given to someone to confirm membership in an organization or group. It can also honor a person for a special achievement, such as the case here. 

“It was an honor to meet and present a challenge coin to Nola Fritz, who lost her son,” the politician recalled. “I am so proud of the folks in Falls County for working so hard to bring this wonderful exhibit to the great town of Marlin.”

Fritz is a Gold and Blue star mother who lost her eldest son in 2007 while he was a prisoner of war. The lieutenant was executed along with three other soldiers just years after graduating from the U.S. Military academy.

The memorial, which is set up as multiple displays of varying colors, continues to travel at the mercy of those who attend. 

“"The Setup they're putting up now is well over a quarter million dollars and it's all been on donations," Fritz told KXXV.

The project drew in groups from all corners of Falls County throughout the week. Marlin ISD and Westphalia ISD took advantage of the educational opportunities that come along with the exhibit.

Fritz reminds us that this was the first year that students graduating high school were born after 9-11. Though they have heard the story dozens of times, the generation may lack the understanding of the truly horrific events that have happened since the War on Terror began. 

“I think this is kinda like hands-on,” said MISD Board member Byrleen Terry. “I want them to see these photos."

People came from outside of Falls County for the exhibit as well. 

In town from San Antonio to see the exhibit, visiting Marlinites John Roppolo and family took the opportunity to present the Marlin Athletic Booster Club with a Class of 1984 flag. 

“"I Just wanted to come out and give some more support, just support the community," said Joseph Castaneda, who resides in Houston.

Fitz says she's proud to have hosted the exhibit in Marlin.

"They said ‘Yes, bring it down! We want it here!’ and it's great to see true patriots,"she said.

You can visit https://www.patrioticproductions.org/rememberingourfallen for more information on the exhibit, as well as options to donate can be found there.