FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 29, 2015) -- Fort Rucker hosted its Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park May 21 as a way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation and to once again make the promise to never forget.
"These brave men and women paid the full measure on the field of battle to preserve this great nation and to secure the freedoms and liberties that generations of Americans have enjoyed since (the country was founded)," said Maj. Gen. Michael D. Lundy, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general. "All we cherish today and enjoy as free people was paid in full through the currency of courage and selfless sacrifice. It is a debt that we can only honor, but never truly repay. In quiet reverence and with overwhelming pride, we remember the sacrifices of our fallen and those of their families, and we will not forget them."
Lundy, along with CW5 Allen R. Godfrey, chief warrant officer of the Aviation Branch, and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric C. Thom, Aviation Branch command sergeant major, laid a wreath to honor those who have fallen in service to the nation.
"I know today, given the opportunity, each of us here would give anything to tell our fallen how we really feel," said Lundy. "We'd want them to know how grateful we are for their sacrifice. We'd want them to know how important they are to our nation. We'd want to reassure them that their honorable service kept us free and protected our way of life. And we want to tell them that we always know that they chose the hard right, and that they always served something greater than themselves.
"But most importantly, I think we want them to know that their sacrifice was not in vain and that we're not going to let them down because they made us who we are -- a standing example to the people of the world that freedom comes with a heavy price," he said.
The best way to continue to honor their sacrifice is to continue to serve with the character and commitment that was exemplified by those who came before us, said Lundy.
And freedom is something that Jason Milton, civilian from Enterprise, said he is grateful to enjoy, and that he owes everything to those who have come before him in service.
"Growing up in the area, I'm very familiar with the military -- it's a part of my everyday life," he said. "Without the sacrifices made by those who came before us, I might not have the opportunity to stand here today to honor our service members. I might not have the freedom to do what I wish, and I might not have the freedom to even talk to you. But because of those who came before us, I'm able to enjoy those freedoms and I'm eternally grateful for it."
It's because of those freedoms that Lundy said it's important to never forget, and that it is the responsibility of every current service member to assure that the legacy that they created -- the people of today -- continue to protect those freedoms for future generations.
"To our veterans and to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that serve today, thank you for your service, but never forget that you are the legacy of our fallen -- the legacy of over 1 million Americans throughout our history who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, our nation and for freedom around the world," said the commanding general. "For this, our fallen have our utmost respect, our utmost gratitude. We owe them the solemn promise that no matter the sacrifice, we will continue to preserve this great nation in their honor."
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