President attending memorial Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 10 2009 05:08 AM By Amanda Kim Stairrett
Killeen Daily Herald

FORT HOOD – Some think of soldiers as "one size fits all," the post's commander said Monday.

It is his job today to show the world that the 13 people who lost their lives last week were human beings.

Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, III Corps and Fort Hood commander, will host a memorial ceremony for the 12 soldiers and one retired soldier who were killed in Thursday's shooting at the Soldier Readiness Processing Center.

Among the guests are President Barack Obama, Gov. Rick Perry and other dignitaries. The president is scheduled to speak.

Perhaps the most important guests to attend are the families of the 13 fallen, who, with Thursday's events, became Gold Star families, and those who were wounded and their loves ones.

The traditional military ceremony will feature eulogies, a roll call, the firing of volleys and Taps.

The memorial is tremendously important for soldiers and families, Cone said, and is part of a process the military goes through to honor its fallen.

The ceremony is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. today in front of III Corps headquarters. Gates open at 10 a.m. and early arrival is encouraged, according to information from Fort Hood.

The post's Bernie Beck Main Gate is set to close from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The service is open to the public; those who plan to attend should enter Fort Hood through the Clear Creek Gate and follow signs to parking. Shuttle services begin at 9 a.m.

All attendees should expect to go through airport-like security and are instructed to bring as few personal items as possible. Banned items include: bags, CamelBaks, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids, strollers and signs. Cameras are permitted.

Contact Amanda Kim Stairrett at astair@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7547.