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Winder Marine Killed in Afghanistan Honored During Memorial Day Ceremony

Lance Corporal Joseph "Ryan" Giese, 24, died Jan. 7 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

A Winder resident who died in combat operations in Afghanistan was honored during Gwinnett County’s annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 30.

Lance Corporal Joseph “Ryan” Giese, 24, died Jan. 7 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom

“We wish there was no need for a memorial like this,” said County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash, speaking at the Gwinnett County Memorial Day Ceremony at the Fallen Heroes Memorial in Lawrenceville. “We wish there was no need to gather like this. But those of us who owe so much to those that have given so much need to do this.”

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On hand for Monday's ceremony were Giese's widow and mother. The Marine's name will be added to the Global War on Terrorism Memorial.  He was struck down by an improvised explosive device or IED. His wife, Brittany, was described as the love of his life, and Ryan’s baseball coach described him as a utility player who could handle any position.

Giese is among the 22 Georgians who have lost their lives this year in the line of duty. 

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“Freedom is won and kept at a high cost,” said Maj. Gen. Maria Britt, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard. “We in this country owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who have sacrificed. We must never forget.”

Britt, quoting General Colin Powell said, “When you look back at our history, time and again, we come not to conqueror, but to free nations. Neither Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Japan nor the Philippines are represented by a star on our flag. The only foreign land we ask for is to bury our fallen heroes.”

Asking all of us to honor the legacy of the fallen, Britt said, “Remember them always. May God bless all of our fallen comrades.  And may he continue to watch over the men and women now engaged on the frontiers of freedom.”

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