Always remembering their sacrifice

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Seraiah Hines
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs

Citizens of San Angelo and members of Goodfellow Air Force Base took time this weekend to observe the true reason for Memorial Day, honoring those who have gone before and given the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Leadership from Goodfellow participated in several events held across San Angelo to remind individuals of the true meaning behind Memorial Day.

“Our honored departed have handed us the torch,” said Col. Robert Ramirez, 17th Training Wing vice commander. “They expect us now to secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and for our posterity. We must now carry the torch of freedom.”

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was established after the Civil War, allowing friends and family to decorate the graves of troops who were lost in the conflict. In 1971, Congress declared it an official holiday, falling on the last Monday in May.

“On the last Monday of every May we reflect on the men and women who bravely risked life and limb in the face of great danger,” said Lt. Col. Scott Cline, 312th Training Squadron commander. “We remember those who never returned, those who left the comforts of home to fight for our country and our freedom. Memorial Day is a day where we can come together as a country to honor and remember our service men and women who answered America’s call to service and gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

In addition to being an event that allows friends and families to unofficially start summer with barbeques and time together, Memorial Day is also a time of mourning and honoring the fallen.

“Memorial Day is both a somber and a celebratory occasion,” said Col. Ricky Mills, 17th Training Wing commander. “A time to mourn the loss of loved ones and fellow American citizens as well as celebrate their lives and the sacrifices they made for our freedom.”