As America honored veterans both past and present, Soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group focused on two of their own recent fallen comrades.

Soldiers were joined Nov. 11 by family members, veterans and supporters during a sunrise rededication ceremony honoring the lives of Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Shaw and Staff Sgt. Jack M. Marrin III.

Shaw and Martin of 3rd Battalion, 1st SFG, died Sept. 29, when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device on Jolo Island, in the Philippines. Their names were added to the unit's memorial wall, which now bears the names of 166 Soldiers who have died since Vietnam.

Colonel Tom Johnson, deputy commander of 1st SFG, addressed the audience, whose attendance reached well into the hundreds.

"For the past 234 years, our service members - to include those standing before us - have stood tall, ever-vigilant, in some of the most challenging environments on this planet ... proud of their country, proud of their profession and proud of their service," Johnson said.

"We will remember their actions, and we will honor their memory."

Shaw, 37, of Natchez, Miss., enlisted in the Army Reserve while attending Texas Southern University in 1994. He decided to put his education on hold and went Active-duty the following year. Shaw was on his second deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines.

Martin, 26, was born in Maquotketa, Iowa, but called Bethany, Okla., home. He joined the military in 2001 and was the youngest of five children. Martin was on his first assignment in support of OEF-P, and was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Shaw and Martin were memorialized on a day when thousands of other veterans were remembered - a day fitting for two men who selflessly paid the ultimate price for freedom.

"This is a solemn and most momentous occasion," Johnson said. "Today, Americans across this great nation will reflect upon the sacrifices that countless service members have made to defend our nation throughout the years."

Illustrating the Soldiers' selflessness and beliefs in a higher cause, Johnson quoted the late John Mason Brown, an American author and drama critic.

"They joy of living comes from immersion in something that we know to be bigger, better, more enduring and worthier than we are," Johnson read.

Johnson said that he was speaking on behalf of thankful a thankful country.

"In their quest to serve their nation, they immersed themselves in something bigger than themselves," Johnson said. "For that, we and our country will be forever grateful."

In addition to Shaw and Martin, the names of eight other Soldiers who died while serving as part of Operation Afghanistan, OEF-P and OIF were read while a drummer sounded his drum. In keeping with military tradition, bagpipers played "Amazing Grace," followed by a 21-gun salute and "Taps."

Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Heaney, executive officer for 1st SFG, said he hopes family members who attended the ceremony realize that even though their loved one is gone, they are still members of the 1st SFG family.

"We still remember them and take care of our own," Heaney said. "(First Special Forces Group) will always remember and be thankful for their service ... especially their families."

Toward the end of the ceremony, "Ballad of the Green Berets" was played over a loudspeaker, followed by a less formal gathering of refreshments and fellowship.