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931st Commander's Memorial Day message

  • Published
  • By Col. Mark S. Larson
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Commander
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Each Memorial Day weekend, citizens across our great nation gather together for a celebration of the unofficial beginning of summer. There are picnics, parties, cookouts, and trips to the lake...all wonderful opportunities to gather with family and friends and enjoy the welcome respite from the workweek provided by the long weekend.

However, as we gather with our loved ones this weekend, we must also remember the true significance of this holiday. On May 30, 1868, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, marking the first official Memorial Day in our nation's history. In the 145 years that have passed since that day, countless members of our military have given their lives for this country so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today.

Monday, Memorial Day, offers us the opportunity to pay tribute to these individuals who have given that full measure of sacrifice in the defense of our freedom and liberty. President John F. Kennedy once said, "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it remembers, the men it honors." I encourage each of you to take the time this Memorial Day to pause for a moment to remember and honor our fallen brothers and sisters who have made possible the way of life we now enjoy.

Whatever your plans may be over the holiday weekend, I ask that you please remember to keep safety in mind. Make sound decisions, look out for each other and be good wingmen.

I wish you all a safe and happy Memorial Day.