Rutherford Weekly

Marine Cpl. Christopher Ebert's name was called at Arlington National Cemetery Saturday morning by a group of military personnel based in Eugene, Oregon. Saturday's patriotic ceremony marked the fi nal destination of the Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Northwest motorcyclists that traveled over 4,000 miles this year to honor soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifi ce for freedom. Among the stops along the 2020 route was Forest City. Last Monday morning, July 27 the motorcyclists paid tribute to Christopher Ebert who died on Sept. 17, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. His twin brother, Lance Cpl. Brian Ebert, and their father, Gail Ebert, were the honored guests at the Marine Corps League headquarters on Trade Street that is named for Christopher Ebert. The trip marked the 11th Annual Fallen Soldiers Memorial Torch Motorcycle Ride as the military personnel paid tribute to the families of 68 fallen soldiers along the route, including the Ebert family. The founder and executive director of the group, Warren Williamson, was greeted by Sgt. Major Don Barrett in Forest City who expressed his appreciation to everyone who had taken the time to make the annual ride and for honoring one of their own. Ebert, who grew up in Rutherford County and graduated from Chase High School, died nearly 16 years ago when his Marine Corp unit came under enemy fi re. He lost his life while doing a block to block cleaning of buildings looking for insurgents who had earlier killed four American security guards, Williamson said. Outside the Marine headquarters "Amazing Grace" was played on a stereo system as motorcyclists, family, friends and military personnel stood reverently. A few motorists passed along Trade Street, traveling slowly and observed the ceremony. A lit torch that has burned throughout the ride across the county was also observed during the outdoor ceremony. Wiliamson said the group promises each family it will protect the tribute fl ame until they reach Arlington. "It represents the spirit of all fallen service members," he said. On the motor coach that is driven by Williamson was a list of all 68 soldiers honored in the 2020 ride. Ebert's family stood quietly as they found Cpl. Christopher Ebert's name. The group spent about an hour with the Ebert family inside the Marine headquarters. Williamson told those gathered that their primary purpose is to make sure the families know the sacrifi ce of their family member and they are remembered and appreciated. "We want to wrap arms around the families and let them know we will never forget," Williamson said. Ebert's brother Brian told the group when he fi rst received an email from Williamson regarding a desire to honor his brother he started to delete it thinking it could be spam. Upon receiving another he opened the email. "I'm so glad I did," he said. Brian said his brother could light up a room as soon as he entered the room. "He always pushed me...he made this world a better place," Brian said. The twins' father expressed his appreciation to the Fallen Soldiers group for taking the time to recognize his son and others. Emotional, Gail Ebert said, "We just appreciate this." Their mother, Shirley Ebert, who passed away in 2012, wrote in a letter that she encouraged her sons to join the Marines. "I thought this was something they really needed to do," Williamson read from the letter. "I never one time thought they'd be going to war," Shirley wrote. While serving with the Marines, Marine Cpl. Christopher Ebert received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Deployment Medal, Combat Action Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expedition Medal. "Chris was loved by and respected by so many of his friends," Williamson said. "May we never forget the service and sacrifi ce of Marine Cpl. Christopher Ebert who was just 21 years old at the time of his death," Williamson said. Gail Ebert and Brian Ebert were presented a Memorial Plaque of Distinguished Service in honor of Ebert's service and sacrifi ce to the country and a painting of Ebert. They also received a patch with Cpl. Christopher Ebert's name signifying he is among the 2020 fallen soldiers honored by the Oregon-based motorcycle group. A large American fl ag was displayed on a long table at the Marine headquarters for family members to sign. Representatives of family members of the 68 soldiers honored this year were given an opportunity to sign the fl ag in memory of their loved ones. Due to COVID-19, the motorcyclists were not allowed to go up into Arlington Cemetery Saturday morning but were allowed to enter the front gates to conduct a brief ceremony. After the 68 names of fallen soldiers were called out and bells sounded for each, the fl ame was extinguished. Marine Doug Jackson of Forest City wrote a poem, "Arlington" that was also read during the ceremony in Arlington. He also read the poem last Monday. The Arlington tribute ceremony was streamlined by the group in order for all family members to view. At the conclusion of the annual ride on Saturday, a total of 800 fallen soldiers have been honored by this group during the past 11 years. Each year a diff erent route is taken by the Fallen Soldiers reaching out to new families. N.C. TRACTOR & FARM SUPPLY 299 Railroad Ave., Rutherfordton • 828-288-0395 Mobile: 828-429-5008 • mf1dpshehan@gmail.com SALES SERVICE PARTS PROUDLY SERVING RUTHERFORD, CLEVELAND, GASTON, LINCOLN, POLK COUNTIES AS THE AREAS HOMETOWN MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER. IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! ASK ABOUT 0% INTEREST SMALL TOWN FRIENDLY, BIG TIME RESULTS ISSUE NO. 32 •August 13, ISSUE NO. 32 •August 13, 2020 • 2020 • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 Our 28 th Year IN GOD WE TRUST! IN GOD WE TRUST! 135 West Main Street, Spindale, NC 28160 828-395-2140 Hours: 11-8 Tuesday-Thursday 11-9 Friday & Saturday DINE IN • CARRY OUT • CATERING www.circlebBBQ.com www.circlebBBQ.com Food truck dates available Food truck dates available ©Community First Media Community First Media 10 10 % OFF OFF TOTAL BILL TOTAL BILL *Must mention ad* Excludes alcohol. Expires 9-30-20 Fallen Soldiers Northwest visit Marine headquarters here Marine Cpl. Ebert honored for ultimate sacriÐice Story and photos by Jean Gordon Story and photos by Jean Gordon "Amazing Grace" rang out from a stereo system as members of the Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Northwest pause reverently outside the Marine headquarters in Forest City. Gail Ebert and Brian Ebert hold a Memorial Plaque and photo of the late Marine Cpl. Christopher Ebert presented to them recently by Warren Williamson, director of the Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Northwest. Gail Ebert & Brian Ebert read the names of fallen soldiers listed on the motor coach outside the Marine headquarters in Forest City. The lit fl ame burns for every fallen soldiers honored this year. It was extinguished Saturday at Arlington National Cemetery. Names of 68 soldiers are engraved on this plaque, including the name of Marine Cpl. Christopher Ebert of Rutherford County.

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