By Bill Grubb

ROGERSVILLE - In addition to words, there is now a permanent sign of how much Hawkins County appreciates those who have served in the armed forces.    
    A monument was formally dedicated Saturday morning at the National Guard Armory honoring and recognizing the 278th, the local Tennessee Army National Guard unit, and "those who have given all."
    Soldiers HomeFront, a support group formed by local volunteers when the local unit was deployed to Iraq in 2004, raised the funds for the project, which is located at Armory's main entrance.
    The volunteers originally hosted a breakfast prior to the unit's deployment and later worked to send cards and packages to the members of the unit and communicate with their families during a tour of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
      Diane Mayes, one of the original members of the group, said it did not take long for the volunteers to bond with the members of the 278th.
    "Whey you left it felt like you were our brothers, fathers, sons and grandfathers," Mayes explained.
    After the unit returned, the group began working on the monument project.  At first, the monument was proposed to honor the members of the 278th but later the scope of the project was expanded to recognize all who have served their country.
    "Most of all I want to thank you gentlemen for the sacrifice, for your families being put on hold and lives being put on hold, to make sure we have our freedom," Mayes said.
    Lt. Colonel James Blevins said he would like to see everyone who has served have a monument to tell their story and record their contributions.
    "I wish every soldier's story could be engraved on America's consciousness," he said.  "By dedicating this monument it plays a critical role in preserving their memory and story."
    Blevins said the local unit played a key role in efforts in Iraq.
    "Because of the sacrifices made by these soldiers, there are fewer terrorists to threaten America. There are more free men, women and children in Iraq and our world is a more secure place," he said.  "This monument will stand as a reminder of those who served from this area and will help the memories live on forever in the hearts of families, friends and comrades. We must never forget their courage, their honor and their dedication to duty."    
    In addition to the inscription on the front, the back of the monument has an inscription "in memory" of those who have died while active with the 278th including Sgt. First Class/E7 Randall Alvis.