Chloe Ingram places her small hand across the image on the cool, black stone wall and turns to her mother saying, “This is daddy.”

    Her mother, Holly Ingram, says yes, that is her daddy, while trying to hold back tears.

    The dedication of the Mississippi Persian Gulf War Memorial brought about a wide variety of emotions from dignitaries and family members alike who had gathered Monday afternoon at the site of the Mississippi State Veterans Cemetery nearing completion between Hickory and Newton on Highway 80 West. It was an emotional time described by some as having to relive that day they were informed their loved one had died in combat while serving in the region. Others, like Holly Ingram, thought the wall holding 95 names and images of Mississippians who have died including that of her husband, Matthew Ingram, was beautiful and a fitting tribute.

    “I’m glad they did this,” says Ingram, holding Chloe who is wearing a camouflage dress made from her daddy’s uniform. “For what was given in terms of his life to serve his country, I think this is all they can do.”

    Third District U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper, who helped champion the memorial wall, said this occasion is a bittersweet time for everyone involved. He said a great deal of hard work went into getting this memorial to the sons and daughters of Mississippi so that families and other Mississippians would never forget.

    “We will not forget the loss you have endured for us to continue to be free,” Harper told the crowd.

    Gen. William “Bill” Freeman, commander of the Mississippi National Guard, said this memorial is a reminder that freedom is never free and that young men and women are called into harm’s way to protect us.

    “A ninety-sixth name will be going on this wall in the coming weeks,” Freeman pointed out. “Jason Rogers of Brandon was brought home after being killed last week.”

    Several members came to see the image of Chris Mabry, a Marine who died in April 2004. They were visibly pained to see him on the wall but they approved of the memorial.

    “It was beautifully done,” says Frances Mabry, Chris Mabry’s grandmother who raised him until his death. “But it is still hard on the family. We have set aside April as Chris’ month. I don’t think it will ever get easier but this is nice.”

    The cemetery and memorial all sit on ground that was donated by Mississippi State University. MSU President, Dr. Mark Keenum, said the memorial was a solemn appreciation for the sacrifices these soldiers gave for all Americans.

    “We grieve all losses but we soldier on in their memory,” Keenum said. “Mississippians have always been eager to serve their country and this is our tribute to them.”