Recall The Real Story Behind Memorial Day
(May 21, 2009) |
|
| 5/19/2009 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE
BASE, Ohio -- More than 1.3 million Americans have fought
and died on behalf of our country during the past 233 years.
Except for Afghanistan and Iraq, those wars and conflicts
have receded into the pages of history books. But our
country was not built on history books. It was built on the
backs of men and women who believed in the fundamental
principles of freedom, principles for which they were
willing to put their lives on the line.
I was recently TDY in Europe and had the opportunity to
visit the American Cemetery at St. Mihiel, France. Buried
there are 4,153 Americans who gave their lives defending the
freedom of others. It is just one of many cemeteries around
the world where we honor those who have made the ultimate
sacrifice.
On Memorial Day, we owe these people more than a day off of
work, a backyard barbecue or a day at the water park. I plan
to stop wherever I am and whatever I'm doing on Memorial Day
at 3 p.m. for the National Moment of Remembrance. I hope you
will too. Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made
and the lives lost in the name of freedom.
Our history is full of stories of ordinary people who
displayed extraordinary heroism. No doubt our future holds
more amazing stories of heartache and heroism. Some of those
stories are playing out now in current conflicts around the
world. These are stories that bind us together, as one,
under the Stars and Stripes of the United States of America.
They're the stories of real people whose loved ones suffered
and mourned. Let us never forget to honor them all.
| |
By USAF Gen. Donald Hoffman
Commander, Air Force Materiel Command
Copyright 2009
Reprinted from
Air Force News Service
Comment on this article |
|
