2015 Memorial Day message from 412th TW/CC Published May 19, 2015 By Brig. Gen. Carl E. Schaefer 412th Test Wing commander EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Edwards, Thank you for the outstanding welcome! These past two months have been dynamic and exciting and I am honored to work with each and every one of you. I truly appreciate your dedicated service and tireless efforts spent developing the needed capabilities for our Air Force and joint partners. This is my third assignment here and I honestly call Edwards home. General John Logan, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed on May 5, 1868, that Decoration Day should be observed annually across the nation to commemorate all the soldiers who died in the Civil War. It was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. By 1882, Decoration Day had gradually changed to Memorial Day. This Memorial Day weekend, spend time with family and friends, enjoy a hobby or just relax. Take some time to reflect on the individual sacrifices that were required to shape the nation we have today. Remember those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who came before us, who they were, what they fought for, the values they represented and the legacy they have left for us. They have fought our wars and preserved our peace. Also, remember your deployed Airman, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who continue to serve in harm's way and cannot be home this holiday weekend. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Please celebrate the holiday safely with your family and friends, and enjoy your summer activities safely throughout. I need every member of the Test Wing to safely return to work after every weekend! I am honored to serve this amazing team. Have a great Memorial Day weekend and thank you for your service to our great nation!