Memorial Day 2017,
As a former military member of the US Air Force's Strategic Air Command's 96th Bombardment Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, TX, we once had to maintain the highest capability status of our Bomber aircraft. Why? Our primary mission (now declassified and void) was to "Keep an eye on Russia" and provide 1st Nuclear response in the event of nuclear attack by Russia! Fortunately, my 6 years of active duty (1982-1988) was during the "Cold War" Russia and most other adversaries kept a cool head. Since those days, wars and many conflicts have been waged and responded to by our American soldiers. Many US Military Soldiers have lost their lives, sacrificed their health, and damaged their home lives or family stability as a result. Their sacrifices however were and still are for the freedoms we enjoy today!
President Ronald Reagan was credited with reviving the practice of honoring Memorial Day and its meaning during his famous Memorial Day 1986 speech at Arlington National Cemetery. One excerpt from that historical speech was "Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It's a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It's a day to be with the family and remember."
Following World War I, Memorial Day has become a celebration of honor for those who died in all America's wars, as well as those who are Veterans and current members of the US Military. With many veteran friends, veteran and active military family members, I am forever humbled and grateful to those who serve the cause for our freedoms. I equally hold homage to those families who lost or sacrificed their beloved family member(s) for many freedoms we take for granted today!
Team, on the Memorial Day, let's take a moment to recognize those veterans or active service members in your life! Take advantage of the opportunity they have afforded you and your families through their sacrifices. For the freedom to smile, the ability to be free, and for making our land and way of life here in America second to no other place on earth, please take a moment to honor our veterans and US Military men and women. An acknowledgement or a "Thank you" is only a small but very significant investment in our continued freedoms and way of life! God Bless America! God Bless our prior fallen and current standing Soldiers and Veterans!
Former Sergeant Cartwright