By constructing a memorial for the six U.S. Marines and two Nepalese soldiers, who were killed in a helicopter crash in course of the earthquake rescue operations, Nepal Army has shown that it honors the sacrifices made and martyrdom attained for the cause of humanity.

Six American soldiers, who came to save the Nepalese people seeking help in the far remote mountain areas of eastern Nepal following the devastating earthquakes in last year's April and May, sacrificed their lives in the course. Injured Nepalese civilians and two Nepali soldiers had also perished with them.

To pay the six US Marines and two Nepali soldiers respects as martyrs, Nepal Army constructed the Memorial at Nepal Army’s Bir Samark (Brave Memorial).  Jointly inaugurated by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Rajendra Chhetri and U.S. Secretary of Navy Ray Mabus, the memorial was dedicated to two Nepalese, six U.S. soldiers and five other Nepalese.

COAS General Chhetri said the country always remembered the sacrifices of the brave U.S. and Nepali soldiers for the cause of humanity. COAS General Chhetri also thanked the American government for sending a high level rescue and relief mission during the earthquake.

“The U.S. Marines are in our hearts and minds as brave soldiers,” said COAS General Chhetri.

U.S. Ambassador Alaina Teplitz and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus paid their respects at the unveiling of a memorial to remember the thirteen individuals on board the UH-1Y helicopter that crashed during a rescue mission one year ago.

 “As we commemorate their sacrifice, we also remember the thousands who perished in the earthquakes of April 25 and May 12,” U.S. Embassy Facebook page noted.

“We are both reminded by and able to take inspiration from the loss of the six American crew, two Nepal Army members, and five civilians to continue our Disaster Risk Reduction work,” said ambassador Teplitz.

The memorial symbolizes sacrifices made for rescuing precious human life by US and Nepali soldiers.