A Memorial Day Message--Thank you for your service Published May 21, 2015 By Col. Mark S. Larson 931st Air Refueling Group Commander MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Members of the 931st Air Refueling Group, As we commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, I want to express my sincere gratitude for all that you do to serve our great nation. I am mindful we have members serving away from home and I appreciate their sacrifice and that of their families. Memorial Day celebrations originated shortly after the Civil War and have become a time when we come together and honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. I am reminded of the words of one of the greatest statesmen our country has ever known, who at the dedication of Gettysburg said, "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth" (President Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg Pennsylvania November 19, 1863). Ninety eight years later President John F Kennedy said, "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility, I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." (President John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address January 20, 1961) There are many ways to honor those who gave all, but I hope that amongst all the activities this weekend you will take time to reflect on their sacrifice, our rich heritage, the privilege it is to live in this great nation, and be grateful for what we have. We are fortunate to live in a time and among people who value our service and routinely express their appreciation. If you would like to celebrate in a more formal way there are several opportunities. This year McConnell is hosting a Memorial Walk, open to all who wish to participate, starting at the Base Chapel on May 26 at 7:00 a.m. In addition we have an opportunity to march in the annual Wichita Riverfest Sundown Parade on Friday, May 29th, to show our appreciation and support for our local community. Most of all I hope that every time you put on the uniform you will stop and consider what a privilege it is to wear it. It is estimated that less than 8% of the current American population serve or have served in the military. You are among a select few who have the honor of directly defending "freedom in its hour of maximum danger." Be safe and enjoy some well-deserved time off. Thank you for your service.