On Wednesday, March 25, 2009, the General Assembly will honor the seven brave young men from South Carolina who sacrificed their lives while protecting and defending our country overseas. The seven courageous soldiers who will be honored this year are Sergeant David L. Leimbach, United States Army, Taylors; Master Sergeant Danny E. Maybin, United States Army, Columbia; Captain Garrett T. Lawton, United States Marine Corps, Beaufort; Staff Sergeant Matthew J. Taylor, United States Army, Hanahan; Staff Sergeant Ronald Phillips Jr., United States Army, Conway; Captain Richard G. Cliff Jr., United States Army, Mount Pleasant; and Sergeant Adam M. Wenger, United States Army, Mount Pleasant.

As in years past, Senator Jake Knotts will host the Fallen Soldiers Ceremony and Luncheon for the surviving families of the soldiers from South Carolina who died in service to our country. This year the luncheon will be held Wednesday at the Summit Club. Each family will be recognized for the ultimate sacrifice they have made to our country and will be presented the Order of the Palmetto Patriot, a Concurrent Resolution, and a South Carolina flag, which was flown over the State House in memory of these soldiers. They will also be presented a copy of The Heart of a Warrior -

Faith Lessons fr om a Fallen

Hero which was written by Miriam Leimbach, mother of Sergeant David L. Leimbach, who will be one of the Fallen Soldiers honored this year. Members of the Armed Forces, the General Assembly and the South Carolina Delegation have been invited to assist in showing our appreciation to these families.

Please join Senator Knotts for this noble ceremony and luncheon on March 25 at 12 noon. We need to let these families know they have not been forgotten.

You may contact our office for further information at 803.212.6352.