Memorial Day A time for remembrance

  • Published

Teammates,

Last month, with the passing of Lt. Col. Dick Cole, the last of the Doolittle Raiders, we were reminded of the extent of bravery and sacrifice required of all Airmen. Colonel Cole, along with his brothers-in-arms, flew their B-25s off an aircraft carrier on a one-way mission to Japan just months after Pearl Harbor.

The men who volunteered for this knew the end would be uncertain and the mission risky. Still, they volunteered, knowing that the cause was greater than themselves. Three men died during that mission and eight were captured. Of those eight, three were executed and one died while imprisoned. All 16 aircraft were lost.

This coming Monday, Americans of all generations will commemorate Memorial Day in many different ways. Whether visiting a flag-bearing grave of a loved one, placing flowers of your own, or spending a celebratory time with family, I urge you to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen brothers and sisters.

Our military did not become the strongest in the world only because of its aircraft or bombs, but also because those who served before us were courageous and dedicated to their mission. Many gave their lives when our ideals were threatened to preserve a future they personally would never possess.

Memorial Day is our opportunity to collectively show our gratitude for these warriors who performed the most selfless of all human acts — sacrificing themselves for others. It is our honor as American Airmen to do so this weekend. On this holiday — remember, reflect, and as always, be safe.

Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland

Commander, Air Force Sustainment Center

Memorial Day A time for remembrance

  • Published

Teammates,

Last month, with the passing of Lt. Col. Dick Cole, the last of the Doolittle Raiders, we were reminded of the extent of bravery and sacrifice required of all Airmen. Colonel Cole, along with his brothers-in-arms, flew their B-25s off an aircraft carrier on a one-way mission to Japan just months after Pearl Harbor.

The men who volunteered for this knew the end would be uncertain and the mission risky. Still, they volunteered, knowing that the cause was greater than themselves. Three men died during that mission and eight were captured. Of those eight, three were executed and one died while imprisoned. All 16 aircraft were lost.

This coming Monday, Americans of all generations will commemorate Memorial Day in many different ways. Whether visiting a flag-bearing grave of a loved one, placing flowers of your own, or spending a celebratory time with family, I urge you to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen brothers and sisters.

Our military did not become the strongest in the world only because of its aircraft or bombs, but also because those who served before us were courageous and dedicated to their mission. Many gave their lives when our ideals were threatened to preserve a future they personally would never possess.

Memorial Day is our opportunity to collectively show our gratitude for these warriors who performed the most selfless of all human acts — sacrificing themselves for others. It is our honor as American Airmen to do so this weekend. On this holiday — remember, reflect, and as always, be safe.

Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland

Commander, Air Force Sustainment Center