MANITOWOC, Wis. (NBC 26) -- After a 20-year war in Afghanistan, the final remaining US troops were evacuated early last week in a hurry. Today, local veterans from northeast Wisconsin are remembering the servicemen and women who gave their lives fighting in the war.
At the Faith Church in Manitowoc, the memories of the war in Afghanistan remain vivid for some local veterans.
"Creating an army, we built schools, we did a number of things I thought were really instrumental in trying to create stability in Afghanistan," says Army Veteran Edgar Hansen.
"There were several kids that are still in my head now, as everything is happening in Afghanistan," adds Army Veteran Ryan Brahmstadt thinking about some of the people who remain overseas.
Both Brahmstadt and Hansen can recall today what they experienced during the war, but for those who can't, they read their names.
"My involvement is to read the names of those who have fallen. I have my 100 names, that I will honor by reading," says Hansen referring to a list of service members names he holds in his hand.
Sectioned off on an oversized table in neat rows at the back of Faith Church's lobby, are the names of American servicemen and women who died in Afghanistan. All of the names will be read off during the course of about six hours, the estimated time it will take to honor each individual on their massive list.
"It's just a reminder that 2,456 men and women gave their lives to try and help this cause," says Brahmstadt.
By reading the names out loud, one by one, these veterans hope to honor, recognize, and remember the sacrifices made by so many Americans in Afghanistan.
"Just remember those who didn't make it back in service to their country... We can't forget these people," says Brahmstadt.
"I think it's just a good reminder of all of those who have served and have given to protect our freedoms and our way of life," says Hansen.
