Memorial Day: Military leaders honor and reflect

  • Published
  • By Air Force Staff Sgt. William Banton
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson leadership, along with state and local government officials, gathered Monday at Memorial Day ceremonies in Anchorage and at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery to honor those who died serving their country.

The events, which included patriotic music, guest speakers, wreath layings and rifle volleys, provided an opportunity for community leaders to provide their insight on the importance of observing Memorial Day.

"Many Americans think of Memorial Day as some extra time to spend with family and friends and that's completely understandable, but gatherings like this and people like you give meaning to this day," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Karen Mansfield, Alaska Air National Guard assistant adjutant general.

Mansfield, the key speaker for the Anchorage ceremony, explained Memorial Day was born from compassion and empathy for the lives lost during the Civil War and from the ceremonies and observances created to honor them after the war.

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz spoke about the importance of those who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we have today.

"We reflect in gratitude to the sacrifice, courage and commitment this country stands for," Berkowitz said. "Recommitting to exhibit those same characteristics in our lives is the best way to honor the memory [of the fallen] ... In these times, when we do not know what the future holds, recommitting to the values that make us great are the values that will see us through."

Ron Siebels, a retired chief warrant officer four and guest speaker for the Fort Richardson National Cemetery ceremony, spent his time talking about a broader sense of service to America.

"There are many ways to serve and sacrifice for our nation," Siebels said. "There are those who stood to create America, there are those who stood up to expand America and those who stood up to preserve America. I think all who stood up to preserve America, but are now departed, deserve to be remembered. Today they will be remembered."

"The central focus today is to honor those who gave their lives to military service to America but there are other ways to serve America and I believe it's proper to honor and remember all who have affected our lives ...," Siebels said.

Siebels also said he believes Memorial Day is also the proper day to celebrate all who have served to preserve the American way through supporting the military.

"[Victory during battle] is dependent on the materials and equipment produced by those not in battle," Siebels said. "There is a saying that goes 'it takes a village to raise a child.' I personally believe that it takes a nation of devoted people to come together to participate in that fight for freedom."

The following commanders laid wreaths in the in memory of those lost at the ceremonies: Air Force Lt. Gen. Russell Handy, Pacific Air Forces, Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command and Eleventh Air Force commander; Army Maj. Gen. Bryan Owens, U.S. Army Alaska commander; Canadian Forces Brig. Gen. J.R.P. Laroche, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command deputy commander; Air Force Brig. Gen. Karen Mansfield, Alaska National Guard assistant adjutant general; Air Force Col. Brian Bruckbauer, JBER and 673rd Air Base Wing commander; and Coast Guard Capt. Paul Albertson U.S. Coast Guard Sector Anchorage commander.

The chiefs of staff for the Army and Air Force also released statements to their respective services on the importance of remembering and honoring those who have come before us.

"Memorial Day is more than just a holiday, it's a day for America to pay tribute to the millions of service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation and we the living must never forget their courage and service to this nation," said Chief of Staff of the Army General Mark A. Milley.

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Mark Welsh in a shared message, also sent out gratitude to those continuing to serve.

"As we remember our veterans, we express deep gratitude to those currently defending our liberty," James and Welsh said. "Today's 660,000 military and civilian Airmen exemplify service before self -- please know your service makes a tremendous difference to our great nation."

Gratitude was a common theme in the words and proclamation provided for the day.

"Those who gave their last full measure of devotion for the values that bind us as one people deserve our utmost respect and gratitude," said President Barack Obama. "In recognizing those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we pledge to never stop working to fulfill our obligations to all members of our armed forces so they know we stand beside them every step of the way -- not just when we need them, but also when they need us."