Fallen Heroes Honored With Veterans Monument In Towson

BALTIMORE (WJZ) --  A monument dedicated to the veterans who died in Iraq and Afghanistan is unveiled in Towson, honoring fallen heroes.

Five years in the making, this memorial honors the brave men and women from Baltimore County who made the ultimate sacrifice. There are 27 names, etched on a stone monument.

"They lost their lives so we can be standing here today," said Michelle Murphy, whose son Sergeant Kendell K. Frederick, was killed in Iraq in 2005,

"We as family members we suffer everyday, and we remember everyday but for the public to know and a physical reminder for the public to come and see the names and see there were lives lost," said Murphy.

The monument is next to the Vietnam memorial outside the historic courthouse in Towson. Honoring the men and women of Baltimore County who served and died during operations desert storm, enduring freedom and Iraqi freedom

"To be able to have something to honor our veterans in baltimore county, to actually see it and make it possible to me is the most wonderful thing and dealing with all the families of the fallen heroes," said Christine Lawlor, Monument Project Manager.

Christine and Mike Lawlor coordinated the effort to build the memorial. Their nephew Captain Michael S. Lawlor is also listed on the monument. He served in Iraq and died in 2004 during a training exercise in California.

"Remind people of the warfare that we have engaged in, since 9/11 and I think its very important for the future people to know the sacrifices," said Mike Lawlor, Monument Chairman.

Family members, friends, and veterans attended the memorial dedication ceremony in Towson. It's a project that took five years of raising money and community support.

And while american troops are still in Afghanistan, the monument commission did not want to wait to honor our most recent fallen heroes. There is also additional space at the bottom of the monument if more names need to be added.