Fallen soldier remembered in solemn ceremony at Farmers Branch Liberty Plaza
May 25, 2012
FARMERS BRANCH LIBERTY PLAZA ~ In solemn ceremony with remembrance of sacrifice and devotion to duty, U.S. Army First Lieutenant Robert F. Welch, III was remembered Friday evening as a soldier who loved his country, his family and his God.
The occasion was a dedication ceremony by the American Fallen Soldiers Project where artist Phil Taylor presented a portrait of a smiling, eyes shining, “Rob” Welch to his wife, Becky and the rest of his family at Farmers Branch Liberty Plaza as part of the 2012 edition of Liberty Fest. Lt. Welch was killed in combat in Afghanistan in April of 2011.
In one of the most moving moments of the evening, after the ceremony was largely concluded, Lt. Welch’s father, Retired Army Lt. Colonel Bob Welch, took the stage, with Rob’s widow, Becky, by his side. He told the story of Rob’s company and how they had put his picture on the wall of their installation in the months after his death. He further explained that after an attack when shrapnel shredded most of the building, the wall around Rob’s portrait, and the picture itself, had not been touched. He concluded that his son was “still taking care of his men” even in the months after his death.
Mr. Taylor, and the American Fallen Soldiers Project, was in attendance at the Liberty Fest concerts Saturday night at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. During a patriotic ceremony, Mr. Taylor showed a video from Friday night’s presentation and explained more about the work done by his organization. For more information on the American Fallen Soldiers Project, visit www.americanfallensoldiers.org.