A Home For The Families Of The Fallen

A Home For The Families Of The Fallen

ABC -- WMDT Channel 47

By Innae Park

11.10.10

DOVER, Del. - In just a few hours, the country will begin to recognize those who put their lives at risk to protect our freedom through Veterans Day.

The day before, Dover Air Force Base chose to also remember those left behind. Talk show host Montel Williams was among many who both rejoiced and grieved at the dedication of the Fisher House on Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday. The house is a place where families of the fallen can stay without cost as they wait for the homecoming they never wanted to happen.

Williams praised the house. "I'm seven rows deep in medals, I participated in all the things I could've participated in my 22 years of military," he said. Williams then choked over the words, "Nothing to me in my military career is as important as this day." The Marine Corp. and Navy veteran added, "Democracy is all about...giving back to those who gave us this freedom."

"While it is the service members who accomplish the mission, it is truly the family and friends that truly sustain them," said Col. Thomas Joyce, Commander of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. The Fisher House for Families of the Fallen is the 50th house for veterans' families, completed through the Fisher House Foundation. As Chairman Kenneth Fisher said, it was a gift long-overdue to the deserving. "We make a solemn vow to honor the gifts these heroes have left us," Fisher said. "There can be nothing more sacred than that."

The Fisher House for Families of the Fallen has been put under the control of Dover Air Force Base and will soon receive guests. For more information on the Foundation and this home, click on 47 Weblinks.