Robinson was deployed to Afghanistan in February 2010 and killed on Aug. 28 when his unit was attacked by insurgents.
Dignitaries in attendance at the dedication included Lebanon Mayor Amy Brewer, U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Miami Twp., and Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-West Chester Twp., who did not address the crowd.
After the presentation of colors by the Fort Ancient Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6069, and an a capella rendition of the national anthem by Lydia Fischer, a nurse at the senior center, Lebanon Country Manor Executive Director Tom Cunningham explained the meaning behind the Honor & Remember Flag that flew beneath the stars and stripes just above the monument, a granite stone with all the U.S. service branches displayed on the top of it and an etched picture of Robinson on the back.
Schmidt directed most of her remarks to the Robinson family, saying, “You have a wonderful son and because of him, we will always be free.
“Jimmy’s life was far too short, but he was a person whose example we should all look up to.”
She presented the family with a Bible inscribed with his name. “Until the day that I die, I will not stop praying for you,” she said.
Staff Sgt. Chris Riley, who was in Robinson’s unit and with him on the day he was killed, said the event “was a time to reflect on the wars fought many miles from our shores.”
The ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps, while Boehner wept.
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