Stay safe, enjoy Memorial Day holiday this weekend

By Col. Brent Bolander, ANAD CommanderMay 22, 2015

Stay safe, enjoy Memorial Day holiday this weekend
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- As we pause in the middle of this quarter, let me begin by saying thank you for all you do as a member of our team!

It takes all of us to keep Anniston Army Depot's great reputation in the forefront.

Despite our normal day-to-day operations, we've opened our doors to several significant visitors. Most recently, the top enlisted Soldier of our Army, Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey, visited our operations to witness first hand the work you do every day and its impact to our Soldiers.

He, as with every visitor, walked away with a first class impression -- and that's due to the quality of the work they see, whether here on the property or in the hands of our war fighters.

This weekend, we'll pause in recognition of Memorial Day, which marks the beginning of the summer holidays.

It is this day which commemorates the sacrifices of the men and women who proudly served our country.

It is because of them we enjoy our freedoms.

As President Ronald Reagan said in his 1986 message at Arlington Cemetery, "Memorial Day is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It's a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It's a day to be with the family and remember." Though decades ago, his comments hold true.

On a more personal note, the depot is hosting a wreath-laying ceremony at McClellan Cemetery today. To honor the military personnel who died in the service of their country, American flags will be placed on the 355 graves.

We must uphold the humanity beneath the memorials and markers by learning from their sacrifice not only during Memorial Day, but every day.

Let us not forget their families, who live with the knowledge their loved ones gave the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our freedom.

While remembering them, think about our current military who continue to serve our nation and the world.

Finally, we all have the responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy work environment and I ask that you continue these practices even when away from the job.

Whether traveling, working in the yard, or enjoying the company of family and friends, others depend on you to be safe.

As I said earlier, it takes each member of the team to continue doing what we all must do -- equipping our military with the highest quality vehicles, artillery, weapons and rail equipment.

That is our standard and our war fighters deserve nothing less.

Enjoy your time off, and remember… we need and want you back!