STATEHOUSE (March 24, 2009) - Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) today joined the Indiana General Assembly in honoring the families of Indiana soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending their country, especially those fighting the war on terrorism. In a resolution, the Indiana General Assembly offered gratitude and prayers to the families of the 152 fallen men and women from Indiana. As part of the ceremony, the families were invited into the House chamber for the reading of the resolution. Following this reading, the names of the soldiers were read and Adjutant General R. Martin Umbarger spoke before the assembly. "We should never forget to honor those who died for our country," said Rep. Thompson. "Indiana, in particular, has a history of being generous with its sons and daughters. We have sent huge numbers of our soldiers into war. Today we honor a small portion of those who gave the hardest sacrifice-their lives. But words cannot properly express how grateful we are to the families of Indiana's fallen heroes." Rep. Thompson represents parts of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties. The names of six soldiers from these Indiana counties were read to the House.
Boone County Army Spc. Joseph A. L. Strong, age 21. Joseph gave his life on Dec. 26, 2006, in Iraq.
Hendricks County Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Richard A. Blakely, age 34. Richard gave his life on June 6, 2006, in Iraq. Marines Lance Cpl. James R. Davenport, age 20. James gave his life on Nov. 22, 2006, in Iraq. Army Staff Sgt. Michael D. Elledge, age 41. Michael gave his life on March 17, 2008, in Iraq. Army Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, age 21. Zachary gave his life on Feb. 23, 2009, in Iraq. Marines Cpl. Donte J. Whitworth, age 21. Donte gave his life on Feb. 28, 2009, in Iraq.
The resolution concluded with the ceremonial playing of taps.
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