Robert Stapleton speaks to distinguished guests about his vision for Veteran Falls and why this memorial is so important.
Master Sgt. (ret.) Con Shuck, Lt. Col. (ret)Brain and Mel Birdwell and Gale Bender stand reverently as Robert Stapleton speaks about how important it is that we never forget the events of 9/11.
The families of fallen heroes, PFC Aaron Mark Hudson and SPC William Justin Byler join Robert Stapleton in the canyon of Veteran falls as other guests look on.
Robert Stapleton explains how creating this memorial has been a labor of love for him.  He has spent almost a year of his live, dedicated to the construction of this memorial.
Will and Karen Byler, Robert Stapleton and Annette and Mark Hudson, join to pay tribute to the brave sons of the Bylers and the Hudsons, who were killed in action fighting in the war on terrorism.
Will and Karen Byler have the opportunity to tell us about their son, Justin and share favorite photographs of him.
Annette and Mark Hudson talk about their son, Aaron as Annette holds his photograph.
It is an emotional moment for everyone as Robert Stapleton breaks down while holding PFC Arron Hudson's photograph.
The symbolism is not lost on us as two hawks soar overhead during the entire ceremony.  It was as if the spirits of these two warriors were soaring above us.
Robert Stapleton presents each family with a stone, engraved with their son's name, rank and the date he was killed in action.  The stones will be placed among the stones in Veteran Falls.
Annette and Mark Hudson receiving their memorial stone from Robert Stapleton.
Will and Karen Byler decide where their son's memorial stone should be placed.
The Hudsons lovingly place their son's stone, whil his photograph rests nearby.
This stone is dedicated to the memory of
PFC Aaron Mark Hudson.
This stone is dedicated to the memory of
SPC William Justin Byler
Will Byler takes a final look around before deciding on the perfect place for his son's memorial stone.
Robert Stapleton receives a hug from Karen Byler to thank him for his efforts on behalf of her son.
Robert Stapleton comforts Andrea McKenzie as husband Jeff looks on.  The McKenzies are Aaron's aunt & uncle.
Lt. Col. (ret.) Brian Birdwell, susrivor of the 9/11 attack on the pentagon,  presents the Bylers and the Hudsons a commerative coin from his "Face The Fire" ministry.  The Birdwells started their ministry as Brian recovered from severe injuries from the attack.  They have also written a book about their experience, "Refined By Fire".
Robert Stapleton poses with the Hudsons and the Bylers beside their son's memorial stones at Veteran Falls.  Their's are the first stones, in rememberance of fallen soldiers, to be set in the falls.  Unfortunately, they will not be the last.
At left, SPC Heather Henderson pays respect to her fallen comrade...one American Hero to another.

At right, SPC Henderson walks the canyon of the memorial with her young son.  She has recently returned from a tour of duty.  This picture is a poignant reminder of the sacrafice our soldiers make.

God Bless our Troops and our Veterans.
Honoring America's Fallen Heroes
Remember not only that they died,
but that they lived.