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Helmet, Boots, dog tags

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  • January 22, 2007 at 5:38 pm #534
    skiguy
    Moderator

    Does anyone know what this memorial to a fallen Soldier is called? (if it's called anything)  I'm having the darndest time trying to find out.  Someone asked this on another board and it got me curious.I think it started in WW1 by the Army.  Someone told me he thinks it started here at The Battle of Bazentin Ridge but I can't find any information on this web site (yet).

    January 22, 2007 at 5:57 pm #7999
    skiguy
    Moderator

    edit:  Helmet on rifle with boots and dog tags.

    January 22, 2007 at 7:41 pm #8000
    Stumpfoot
    Participant

    It sounds vaguely familiar, I think I have seen a picture of it, but I don't really know anything about it.

    January 22, 2007 at 8:28 pm #8001
    skiguy
    Moderator

    Here is a picture of what I'm talking aboutFallen-Soldier.jpgJust found this.  Maybe there isn't a name for the whole display.

    . Most units prepare a visible reminder of the deceased soldier similar to that depicted in Figure C-1. The helmet and identification tags signify the fallen soldier. The inverted rifle with bayonet signals a time for prayer, a break in the action to pay tribute to our comrade. The combat boots represent the final march of the last battle. The beret (in the case of soldiers from airborne units) reminds us that the soldier has taken part in his final jump.

    http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/7-21-13/appc.htm

    January 25, 2007 at 12:22 am #8002
    Phidippides
    Keymaster

    You've probably gotten a million responses to this, but what the hey.Its called a "Soldiers cross"  I'm told it was used to mark the location of temporary graves dug during battle.The symbol was widely used to represent the sacrifice soldiers make, and became the center of the Vietnam Veterans against the war logo.Peace, Liam  

    August 8, 2011 at 6:13 pm #8003
    Phidippides
    Keymaster

    The Helmet,Boots,Rifle and Dog Tags is called……….. A Battle Field Memorial !

    August 10, 2011 at 5:21 pm #8004
    scout1067
    Participant

    I don't know if there is an official name for the display.  I do know that it is the traditional way a fallen soldier is represented at the unit memorial ceremony when “last Roll” is called.  It is right up there with the riderless horse with reversed boots in stirrups for a cavalryman in the culture of the military.  I have actually only ever seen the display at memorial service for soldiers killed.  May not help but that is all I know about it.

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