We shall never forget: Memorial Day ceremony held in remembrance of fallen hereos

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Terri Barriere
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office
A Memorial Day ceremony was held at Heritage Park here today in honor and remembrance of servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving the nation during war. 

Memorial Day, originally known as "Decoration Day" was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. 

"Memorial Day is the time when I remember my fallen comrades," said (retired) Tech. Sgt. Franklin Chapman, a Korean War veteran and guest speaker for the ceremony.
In addition to Sergeant Chapman's speech, the Steel Talons posted the Colors and a table was displayed with the traditional unfilled setting in remembrance of those servicemembers missing in action and prisoners of war. 

Celebrating Memorial Day has been a long standing tradition since the observances' early beginnings. 

According to http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html since the late 1950's on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. 

In an effort to continue educating and reminding Americans of the true meaning of the observance, a national moment of remembrance is held at 3 p.m. local time Memorial Day, for all Americans to observe, in their own way, a moment of remembrance and respect. (Information courtesy of http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html )