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CAMP WILLIAMS -- A special ceremony at Camp Williams Saturday honored the nine Utah soldiers who were killed while in active duty this year, along with the rest of Utah's fallen.
During the "Wreaths Across America" event, seven wreaths were placed in honor of the five branches of the military and the two uniformed services. Afterwards, family of soldiers who died this year walked out to the Veteran's Cemetery to lay wreaths on their loved one's graves.
"We should never forget what they've done for us, the sacrifice they have made," said Suzanne Wagstaff, who's son, Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Wagstaff, died Sept. 21 in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
Wagstaff was one of seven military members with Utah ties killed in Afghanistan this year.
The others include Lance Cpl. Carlos Aragon who died March 1 and Lance Cpl. Nigel Olsen who died March 4 -- both during combat operations.
Capt. Ellery Ray Wallace was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade Aug. 29 in Afghanistan. Sgt. Aaron Kramer died Sept. 16 in a firefight.
Pfc. Jordan Byrd was shot and killed by insurgents Oct. 13, and Sgt. First Class James Thode was killed by an improvised explosive device Dec. 2.
Two other Utah soldiers died this year. Chief Warrant Officer Gary Farwell was killed in a helicopter crash in Germany Feb. 3 and Pfc. Jed Naisbitt was shot Nov. 20 while sitting in his car in Texas.
