Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 19,000 SC National Guard soldiers and airmen have deployed overseas.

Of them, 16 have paid the ultimate price, 2 of them from Lexington supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Luther Rabon, 32, of Lexington, was assigned to the 1221st Engineer Clearance Company, He was killed Oct. 1, 2010, in Paktika province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

1st Lt. Ryan Davis Rawl, 30, of Lexington, was assigned to 133rd Military Police Company, 51st Military Police Battalion. He was killed June 20, 2012, in Khost, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.

“Memorial Day is a day when our country remembers its fallen, those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their nation,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr., of West Columbia, who is SC adjutant general.

“It is important that we hear the stories of these heroes, the men and women who gave their lives, and always keep in mind their families and all those who know that freedom is not free.”