Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salutes during the playing of the national anthem at a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, 2011, at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The ceremony honored the Airmen who gave their lives in the last year. Those fallen heroes also were honored by wreaths that were presented by Chief Roy and members of several organizations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Mike Dunn (from left), president and chief executive officer of the Air Force Association and the Air Force Memorial Foundation; Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy; and Dan Derrow, deputy chief executive officer of the Air Force Sergeants' Association, salute during a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, 2011, honoring those who gave their lives in service in the last year. The ceremony was at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. During the ceremony, Chief Roy read the names of each of the Airmen who died in combat in the past year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
About 100 people observe a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, 2011, honoring those who gave their lives in service in the last year. The ceremony was at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., and hosted by the Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants' Association. During the ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy read the names of each of the Airmen who died in combat in the past year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy reads the names of Airmen who were lost in combat in the past year during a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, 2011, at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The fallen heroes also were honored by wreaths that were presented by members of several organizations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard's color team stands at attention at a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, 2011, honoring those who gave their lives in service in the last year. The ceremony was at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., and hosted by the Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants' Association. During the ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy read the names of each of the Airmen who died in combat. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Mike Dunn (from left), president and chief executive officer of the Air Force Association and the Air Force Memorial Foundation; Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy; and Dan Derrow, deputy chief executive officer of the Air Force Sergeants' Association, prepare to lay a wreath during a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, ,2011, honoring those who gave their lives in service in the last year. The ceremony was at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. During the ceremony, Chief Roy read the names of each of the Airmen who died in combat in the past year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard's color team stands at attention during the playing of the national anthem at a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, 2011, honoring Airmen who gave their lives in the past year. The ceremony was at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., and hosted by the Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants' Association. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy read the names of each of Airmen who were lost in combat during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy reads the names of Airmen who were lost in combat in the past year during a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, 2011, at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The fallen heroes also were honored by wreaths that were presented by members of several organizations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy reads the names of Airmen who were lost in combat in the past year during a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, 2011, at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The fallen heroes also were honored by wreaths that were presented by members of several organizations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
5/30/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- To some Americans, Memorial Day means a three-day weekend which unofficially starts the vacation season and outdoor fun. But, to people associated with the military, this weekend means much more.
Memorial Day represents a specific time to show reverence, gratitude and respect to the men and women who have died fighting in service to the United States.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke to a gathering of about 150 people at the Air Force Memorial May 30 as he read the names of Airmen who gave their lives in combat over the past year.
"These men and women were doing their part for the nation when extraordinary circumstances occurred and they stepped up to become heroes," Chief Roy said.
"These Airmen demonstrated amazing courage, embodying the core value of Service Before Self,' Chief Roy said. "They are representative of the Airmen who served our nation throughout history."
Not only are those who died in combat remembered on this day, the day is used to remember all service members who have served and passed.
"Besides those Airmen lost in combat, I ask you to also pause and remember our other Airmen who have passed on. ... Please keep the families of these brave Airmen in your thoughts and prayers."
"As we come together today to remember our fallen Airmen, I also ask each of you to pause and remember our warriors who are putting their lives on the line...in distant lands, far away from friends and family."
Comments
6/2/2011 3:19:10 AM ET Two of my friends are on this list: SrA Alden and SrA White. May they rest in peace.
SSgt Brewer, RAF Lakenheath
6/1/2011 7:34:45 AM ET A1C Zachary Cuddeback wasn't mentioned in the list. RIP, Airmen.
SrA S. Sevillano, Ramstein
5/31/2011 7:13:56 AM ET I salute every one of them. They all deserve our utmost respect love and remembrance.
