Remember those who served

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  This weekend Americans across the globe will pause in remembrance of those that served and continue to serve to protect and defend the security of our great nation.

We will honor our Veterans; Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen. Veteran's Day is a day of remembrance, a day of honor, a day for thanks.

This is the day when Americans will travel near and far to gather at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Vietnam Wall, the Air Force Memorial and at grave sites around the world to pay homage to our fallen comrades. Many will shed tears during their moment of reflection, struggling to understand the meaning of their loss, but I am confident they won't be tears of sadness, but tears of honor.

We honor those that fought in the shadows of that red, white and blue star spangled banner at Normandy, Japan, Germany, Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world.

As Americans around the globe rest their flags at half staff, heads will bow in remembrance of a loved one or a friend that lost their life protecting the security and sovereignty of America. Unfortunately, the names of those that died for this nation are many, and today we continue to add names to the list of fallen heroes.

This Nation has pledged never to forget those that served her so faithfully. In spite of being a nation at war, we pause to give thanks for the guardians of freedom that lost their lives on the distant battlefields around the world. I can picture them now, one by one, as they enter the pearly gates of heaven, a sweet and somber voice echoing well done my good and faithful servant, well done.

Team Travis, as we celebrate Veteran's Day with parades and barbecues, I urge you to reflect on those who sacrificed their lives so we can enjoy a beautiful day like today.

And don't forget our comrades currently deployed around the globe engaged in this war against terror. Surely, we owe them nothing less than to remember, honor and give thanks for all they have done on our behalf. Someone once said, to fully appreciate the virtue of a Soldier we must remember what freedom means! I am not sure if America will ever fully appreciate the virtue of a Soldier. I just hope they appreciate the many sacrifices our Soldiers make on their behalf.

To our Veterans, thank you for being great patriotic pioneers and blazing the trails for the likes of me. To my comrades (including family and civilians), thank you for the many sacrifices you make everyday on behalf of this great nation. I am proud to be an American and serve with you.

Enjoy your holiday and as always have a great weekend, be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus!