SECAF-CSAF Memorial Day message

  • Published
  • By SECAF Michael W. Wynne and Gen. T. Michael Moseley
WASHINGTON, D.C. --  To the Airmen of the United States Air Force and their families:

This coming Monday, in an act of national unity, American men, women and children will pause to honor our fallen heroes in communities across the globe. Memorial Day offers a time for quiet reflection and meaningful assembly as we remember and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our grateful nation.

Our fallen acted selflessly to advance the cause of liberty. They leave behind families, friends, communities, and fellow warriors who rebuild and press forward, yet forever feel the vacancy and sorrow that remain. To all who have lost a loved one in the course of military service, please know that the nearly 700,000 Airmen of the Total Force -- Regular, Guard, Reserve and Civilian -- share your sorrow. We understand your heartache on a deep personal level, and the dedication of your loved ones to their country endures in our thoughts and actions. We are grateful for your resilience and your continued commitment to fundamental freedoms for all people.

The United States honors and respects the noble tradition of military service. It is an immense privilege to be entrusted with the preservation of America's freedom. Airmen embrace this privilege and recognize that we follow in the footsteps of our country's courageous heroes, many of whom paid with their lives to turn back the forces of tyranny. Their courage inspires and motivates us as we face today's challenges.

Airmen will forever protect and defend American values and our way of life against any aggressor. Airmen serve with our Joint partners to secure the ideals embodied in our Constitution. Airmen stand as America's sentinels in an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, individual human rights, and democratic governance.

Congress has asked Americans everywhere to pause at 3 p.m. on Monday to observe a National Moment of Remembrance. Whether you find yourself on or off base at that moment, we ask for the Airmen of the world's greatest Air Force, and their families, to pause in reverence for our fallen. In so doing, you stand with families, friends, communities, and fellow warriors to honor our departed heroes with respectful remembrance and thankful hearts.