Loved ones mourn, honor the fallen

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Ursula Bowen, caught between strong feelings, reminded everyone why Memorial Day is a trying time for those who have lost family members during war.

“It’s a mix of emotions, because I’m so proud to be here as his wife,” said Bowen, of Perry Hall, during the annual Memorial Day ceremony Monday at the Circle of Immortals at Dulaney Memorial Gardens in Timonium.

 Her husband, and father of three, Sgt. 1st Class Collin Bowen, 38, died from wounds when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle in Afghanistan on March 14.

At the time, he and fellow soldiers were on their way to base on the last day of a 10-day mission. He was later awarded a Bronze Star for his bravery during combat.

“It’s hard being here with this little girl and his two other daughters who won’t have a father for the rest of their lives,” said Bowen, referring to the couple’s daughter, Gabriela, 3. Bowen also has two other young daughters from a previous marriage.

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Maj. Gen. Bruce Tuxill, adjutant general with the Maryland National Guard, gave two of the ceremony’s main addresses before a crowd of a couple hundred.

Since the war in Iraq began, more than 90 residents have died. More than 1,000 Marylanders still remain overseas, but hundreds are expected to return by the month’s end, Brown said.

The Circle of Immortals, dedicated in 1967, is specifically set aside for Maryland residents killed in action. This year, 10 soldiers with ties to Maryland were honored, all of whom died in Iraq since the previous year’s ceremony.

Another soldier, Sgt. Casey Nash, 22, of Baltimore, was remembered by his family for being a talented athlete who showed a quiet leadership and brutal honesty. He was killed by an improvised explosive device in Tahir, Iraq, in May 2007.

“It was beautiful ceremony, and I hope they keep doing it for all of the soldiers,” said Sandra Nash, Nash’s mother.

It’s easier getting through hard times knowing so many people care, said Nash’s sister, Sara.

jkowalkowski@baltimoreexaminer.com

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