Memorial Day marks time for rememberance

  • Published
  • By Col. Dwight Sones
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  To many people around the country, Memorial Day is simply just another day or an extended weekend to relax and enjoy time with their loved ones.

To military members and their families, Memorial Day embraces the essence of their day-to-day operations and acknowledges our brothers and sisters in arms who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom and way of life. As this year's Memorial Day approaches, please take time to reflect during your daily routines the day's true meaning and honor the heroes who gave everything to their country.

Once known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first recognized as a tribute to fallen Civil War union soldiers with floral adornments proudly displayed on their grave sites. The honors draped upon the final resting place represent Gen. John Logan's General Order No. 11 to "gather around the Soldier's remains with the choicest springtime flowers."

Today across our great country, cemeteries of every size and location, including Arlington National Cemetery, hold ceremonies paying tribute to Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen who gave their lives protecting ours. As the nation reaches out to remember, the Air Force also pays homage to past and current members.

Memorial Day around the Air Force serves as a time to reflect on the heroic actions of remarkable individuals who have fought in every campaign since the Civil War.

Currently, the Air Force has more than 50,000 members deployed in contingency operations throughout multiple environments in more than 100 countries. Every day, Air Force mothers, fathers, sons and daughters spend countless hours away from their families fighting for our freedom. It is the actions of these patriots which allow us to accomplish our daily mission, live in the land of the free and enjoy the opportunities given to us each day.

Throughout this past year, I've been truly amazed at the Airmen and their families' incredible accomplishments here. Your capacity to sustain global mobility excellence showcases your dedication to honoring our fallen service members. As you drive around base this weekend, you will notice the main thoroughfares embracing Old Glory to commemorate Memorial Day in addition to remembering the patriotism of those individuals who have gone before us.

The chief and I hope you take time this weekend to enjoy and celebrate by participating in parades in your local area or by placing nearly 8,500 flags at the Sacramento National Cemetery. Whether you are walking with your Airmen, cheering on those members from the grandstands or adorning head stones, have a great time this weekend, be safe and enjoy a great Memorial Day.