Leaders send Memorial Day message

  • Published
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The following is a joint Memorial Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:

“As the flag soars gracefully to the top of the flagpole and then lowers solemnly to half-staff, the loss of great Americans who have fallen in our country’s battles will weigh heavily on our hearts this Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day is our time to salute their sacrifices and remember their dedication to duty. We remember their humanity, dignity and nobility. We remember their laughter, their tears and their determination to serve a grateful nation.

“This Memorial Day is indeed somber because of some of the finest of our ranks have recently fallen in battle. They are the mothers and fathers of children who will forever mourn their absence, the sons and daughters of parents who grieve their death, the husbands and wives of spouses who yearned for their return, and heroes to us all. Their sacrifice is fresh in our minds as we pay tribute to their memory. They served valiantly to secure freedom for millions who have never tasted the liberties we enjoy every day. Our nation’s humble tribute this Memorial Day is a small measure of our enduring gratitude for their service.

“From the Revolutionary War to the ongoing global war on terrorism, each generation that has answered our nation’s call to arms has served with honor. Those who serve in our military are a part of a long tradition of sacrifice; those who give their lives are the standard-bearers for us all.

“As is our earnest obligation, we accept the mantle of responsibility to uphold freedom from our fallen comrades and march forward, forever mindful of their sacrifice. God bless all who have gone before and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. And may God continue to bless each of you and our great nation.”