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Airmen honor veterans with silent vigil

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michael Meridith
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan --  Airmen here solemnly honored veterans past and present with a ten-hour silent vigil today. 

Following a formal wreath-laying ceremony, teams of two Airmen - a total of 80 in all - stood at parade rest near the flagpole of Camp Cunningham here as a constant reminder of the significance of Veteran's Day. 

The vigil took place in the shadow of both a picture and monument to Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, the fallen pararescueman who is the camp's namesake, and who gave his life saving fellow servicemembers during combat in Afghanistan in 2002. 

"It took me full circle," said the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron's Staff Sgt. San Juana Vasquez of San Antonio, Texas, who was involved in setting up the vigil and who also served on the Air Force Honor Guard detail that provided honors during the burial of Airman Cunningham. "Sometimes back home Veteran's Day can
seem like just a day off, but here it means more because you live it every day." 

The vigil was given even more significance by the fact that it came shortly after the announcement of the deaths of seven U.S. servicemembers serving in Afghanistan. 

"I feel pride at being able to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom," said the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Senior Airman Michael Salansky of Uniondale, Pa., who participated in the vigil. "When I stand out there I think about everyone deployed out here putting themselves on the line." 

Those sentiments were also echoed by Master Sgt. Richard Tallman of Council Bluffs, Iowa, the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group First Sergeant who organized the event. 

"Those who have served and those who are now serving should have a sense of pride that their efforts will not be forgotten. No matter how small they think their role is, every person is a key to making the mission happen."