September 11, 2008 Sacrifices etched in stone Play video

(NECN: Anya Huneke, Colchester, VT) - Hundreds gathered at the Vermont National Guard base in Colchester, Vermont today to remember the Guard's fallen heroes. A memorial was built as a permanent tribute to the 11 Guard members who have died overseas since the war began.

On the seven year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the U.S., members of the Vermont National Guard gathered to honor their own.

"We understand no words we offer today or any memorial will ever be enough to properly honor their lives, or the sacrifices they made, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to reflect on their contributions," said Governor Douglas.

In a ceremony at Camp Johnson in Colchester, a memorial of bronze and granite was unveiled, flanked by plagues bearing the names of the Vermont Guardsmen who have given their lives in the war on terrorism.

It was time, Adjutant General Michael Dubie said, to etch their sacrifices in stone.

The memorial pays tribute to the 11 Guard members who have lost their lives since the war began. It took 18 months of planning and work to make this happen.

Nathaniel Sheehan found his father's name on the memorial and traced it with his fingers. The 10-year-old has lived half his life without his father, Kevin, but still beams when he thinks about him.

For the Grays, who lost their son, Jamie, this memorial offers some reassurance.

And for James Merchant, this is a way to be closer to his brother, Chris.

In the meantime, the rest of the world will see, and appreciate, what Chris and others did for this country.