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Memorial Day

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. William Binger
  • 10th Air Force Commander
NAS FORT WORTH JRB, Texas --  Initially known as Decoration Day, a day was set aside to honor the men who died during the Civil War.

Proclaimed and officially observed in 1868, the last Monday of May each year would be set aside to remember the ultimate sacrifice of these soldiers and that we "let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic."

After WWI, the observance was modified to include all men and women who died in service as a result of any war or military action, and after WWII the alternative name of Memorial Day was adopted.

Seven-score-and-four years later we must remind ourselves that Memorial Day is more than a three-day weekend and the start of summer. This day is set aside to remember and honor the men and women, who have served, still serve, and died in service to their country. We should also honor their families who have sacrificed their fathers, mothers, sons and daughters.

As a headquarters, we must constantly remind ourselves that there are Citizen Airmen from our wings, groups and squadrons who are currently engaged in long months of service overseas. They serve in difficult situations while their families patiently wait for their safe return.

They are admirably contributing to the continued struggle to reach a lasting peace. They deserve the support and gratitude of those of us left behind.

Please remember those who serve, away from home on our behalf. They are admirably contributing to the continued struggle to reach a lasting peace. They deserve the support and gratitude of those of us left behind.

Remember their families and keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and offer them any help they may require.

I wish you all a safe weekend and would like to offer my profound gratitude to all our citizen warriors and their families. Thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice.