Memorial Day Message

  • Published
  • By Col. Gregory E. Schwab
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  On Memorial Day, we pause from our busy schedules to honor the airmen, soldiers, sailors and coast guard members who died while defending their country.
 
Our Nation's strength, freedom, liberty, democracy, and values are built and preserved on the sacrifice of generations of uniformed service men and women. They have fought our wars and preserved our peace. Our military men and women have defended America throughout our history and we continue to do so today - with courage, honor, discipline, and commitment.

Without them, our world would be a different place. For them, we are eternally grateful.
 
The precursor to Memorial Day, Decoration Day, was designated as a day of remembrance in 1868 by Gen. John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, when he signed General Order 11. In the order he said the military was organized, in part, to strengthen the bonds between comrades.

"What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead?" General Logan said. "We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders."

An important Memorial Day tradition is observing one minute of silence at 3 p.m. throughout America, known as a National Moment of Remembrance remembering the war dead.

Wherever you are on Monday, May 30 at 3 p.m., please pause for the Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance as our country honors those who gave all. This moment provides a time to reflect on America's fallen heroes and renew our dedication in their memory.

Remember those who came before us, who they were, what they fought for, the values they represent and the legacy they have left for us.

And, while honoring the sacrifices of the departed and their families, take a moment to also give thanks for those currently serving at home and far away. Remember them always and support them and their families any way you can. They, and those before them, are our Nation's finest and deserve our highest tribute.