Members of the 555th Engineer Brigade gathered the morning of May 20 to pay tribute to the unit's Soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003.

The dedication of the Triple Nickel Fallen Warriors Memorial, which is located at Memorial Park on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, featured a somber reading of the 27 names etched into the granite slab, solemn renditions of "Taps," and "Amazing Grace," a wreath-placing ceremony, and remarks from the unit's commander, Col. Mike Brobeck. Following the ceremony, the 42 family members in attendance were invited to make a paper etching of their Soldier's name.

"These 27 Soldiers represent every end and corner of our nation," said Brobeck during the ceremony.  "And all answered the call to serve something greater than themselves ... a testament to their character and commitment to their nation."

The brigade is comprised of subordinate units specializing in engineering as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) warfare and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) located on JBLM as well as at Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Riley, Kan.

Part of the funds for the memorial came from the 555 Able Soldier and Family Fund, a nonprofit organization for wounded and fallen Soldiers that "makes sure families are taken care of, here and at home," said Melanie Graham, wife of Command Sgt. Major Ken Graham of the 23rd CBRN Battalion.

For the families, the monument, which is made of granite with supporting rook towers symbolic of strength and support, will "serve as a location to come and remember and reflect on the sacrifices of their Soldier," Brobeck said.

Memorial Park is a four-acre site near the Cascade Community Center that also features memorial monuments to the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and 1st Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.