A tribute to the greatest

  • Published
  • By Col. Ralph J. Jodice II
  • 80th Flying Training Wing commander
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  In this time when America's armed forces are called upon once again to defend the values we cherish as a free nation, I'm reminded of the many heroes who have come before us and made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Not long ago, I had the chance to meet one of the members of the "greatest generation," retired Navy Engineman 1st Class John Blair, a veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima, who now lives in Lawton, Okla.

Spending time with past war heroes like Mr. Blair is one of the most rewarding opportunities I have as a wing commander. I'm deeply humbled by the contributions people like him have made in service to our country. These veterans have showed us all the true meaning of one of our Air Force core values, "Service Before Self."

When I think about the sacrifices made by the generation who fought in World War II, I'm reminded of that famous photo of the Marines at Iwo Jima who raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi in February 1945. America suffered more than 28,000 casualties in that battle. More than 6,800 Marines, sailors and soldiers gave their lives. The battle for Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest in our history, and it marked the beginning of the end for our war in the Pacific.

Our flag flies today because of the heroes of the "greatest generation" and every hero of every great generation who has been called upon to defend our way of life. We owe a debt of gratitude to our nation's veterans, and we must never forget those who paid the ultimate price for the freedom we enjoy.

Now, these heroes have passed the torch to us. We must continue in their footsteps and be guided by their examples.

Former President Ronald Reagan, speaking at Omaha Beach on the 40th anniversary of the Allied invasion at Normandy, said of the heroes who fought there, "We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may be always free."

We have been given a charge to be the next greatest generation, to fight for the values that America and all the free nations of the world hold dear. Let us remember those who have fought before us, and let us now continue the fight so future generations may be free. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)