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Memorial Day celebration held at The Rock

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Holli Nelson
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Service members from around The Rock gathered together early Monday morning to celebrate Memorial Day and to reflect upon and honor the sacrifices of fallen service members throughout history.

The day's events kicked off with a formal reveille formation and the lowering of the American flag to half-mast and concluded with the unveiling of a memorial T-wall painting.

Col. John Klein, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, remarked on the importance of Memorial Day and what it means to Airmen and other military members on The Rock.

"As we look out onto The Rock, we can see the lasting legacy of these sacrifices. Take a look down Jacobson, Barnes, Norton, or McElroy avenues. Those names inscribed on the signs have a meaning and a purpose," Klein stated. "They represent blood shed on the battlefield paying the ultimate price for freedom. They are why we are here. They are why we celebrate today. They are our own...they are Marauders."

This Memorial Day, the 386th paid homage to those service members attached to the 386th who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in combat in Iraq. Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton, Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy, Airman 1st Class Eric Barnes, and Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson were all recognized during the ceremony so that their sacrifices were not forgotten.

After the reveille ceremony, service members gathered together for the unveiling of the memorial T-wall painted by Mr. Michael May, Maj. Rob Sides, Chief Master Sgt. Denzil Hellensen, Senior Master Sgt. Arni Rohan, and Staff Sgt. Claire Armstrong.

The painting had specific meaning to Marauders of the 386th as it was unveiled as a memorial to all who gave their lives from the inception of the 386th Bombardment Group during World War II to present day Operation Enduring Freedom missions.

It depicts a B-26 Marauder airplane which represents a memorial to our lost ones, past and present; an emblem of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, showcasing our mission today and the Airmen who have served alongside us; and lastly, the eagle and American flag, both iconic symbols of freedom in American history.

"This painting will live on as a reminder to thousands of others who pass through this place that we will never forget what they have done or the legacy they have left behind," said Klein.

At 3 p.m., members were encouraged to take a moment of silence for one minute to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day in conjunction with our citizens back in the United States.

To end the festivities, Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines were able to participate in a scavenger hunt and barbecue dinner that brought a piece of home to The Rock.