Prince William high schools remember local graduates who gave their lives for freedom

High schools in Prince William County observed a moment of silence on Friday, May 22 to honor through remembrance the men and women of our armed forces who have given their lives in the defense of the freedoms enjoyed by all who live in the United States.

As witness to their sacrifice, the names of those lost who have graduated from Prince William County Public Schools are read during this time.

Following the loss of two Gar-Field High School graduates in December 2004, a memorial was created in their honor.

Since the dedication of the Fallen Heroes Memorial in June 2005, the school’s JROTC cadets lead a Memorial Day tradition that includes laying a wreath of remembrance and recalling each known fallen servicemen from Prince William County Public Schools.

Once the wreath is in place, the servicemen’s names, ranks, branch of service, and year of graduation are read to the student body. Names include the four Gar-Field High School students killed in action on the battlefields in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan and the six students killed in action who graduated from Brentsville District, Hylton, and Potomac High Schools.

Throughout the day, in honor of Memorial Day, Marine Corps JROTC cadets stand as an Honor Guard at the Fallen Heroes Memorial. Their presence serves as a gentle reminder for those passing to remember all veterans.

The fallen servicemen are:

  Medical Corpsman Richard Yates, United States Navy, class of 1965 Gar-Field HS (Vietnam);
  Captain Brian Letendre, United States Marine Corps, class of 1996 Potomac HS (Afghanistan);
  Sergeant Leroy Alexander, United States Army, class of 1997 Hylton HS (Iraq);
  Sergeant Jack Bryant, United States Army, class of 1999 Hylton HS (Iraq);
  First Lieutenant Robert Kelly, United States Marine Corps, class of 1999, Gar-Field HS (Afghanistan);
  First Lieutenant Benjamin Hall, United States Army, class of 2001 Hylton HS (Afghanistan);
  Corporal Brian Medina, United States Marine Corps, class of 2002 Gar-Field HS (Iraq);
  Sergeant David Ruhren, United States Army, class of 2002 Gar-Field HS (Iraq);
  Sergeant Sean Callahan, United States Marine Corps, class of 2005, Brentsville District HS (Afghanistan); and
  Specialist Sean Cutsforth, United States Army, class of 2006, Brentsville District HS (Afghanistan).

As we enjoy our Memorial Day weekend, please take the time to reflect on those who have given their lives so that we can live in peace, security, and freedom.