Charles Hollis, retired Chief Master Sgt., stands at parade rest with over 150 servicemembers, retirees and civilians during a Memorial Day retreat ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2012. The ceremony was held to honor U.S. service members who died defending the nation’s freedom in past and present times of armed conflict. In 1868, Memorial Day was formed to honor Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airmen Kenna Jackson/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members lower the flags at Risner Circle during a Memorial Day retreat ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2012. The ceremony gave Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and community members the opportunity to honor U.S. servicemembers who have fallen in defense of the U.S. nation. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and began May 30, 1868. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Kenna Jackson/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Honor Guard folds the American flag during a Memorial Day retreat ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2012. Active-duty and retired servicemembers stationed on base stood in formation at Risner Circle while honoring the memory of the nation’s fallen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Kenna Jackson/Released)

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Col. Michael Rothstein, 35th Fighter Wing commander, left, and Col. Hitohiko Iwasaki, Japan Air Self-Defense Force 3rd Air Wing vice commander, place a wreath at the base of the monument in Risner Circle during the Memorial Day retreat ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2012. More than 150 members of the base community gathered for the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Kenna Jackson/Released)

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Misawa AB community unites to remember the fallen

Published May 24, 2012
By Airman Kenna Jackson
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- More than 150 servicemembers, civilians, veterans and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Airmen attended a Memorial Day retreat ceremony in front of the 35th Fighter Wing headquarters building, Risner Circle, May 24th, 2012.

"It is important for the base community to honor our brothers and sisters who have selflessly given their lives for their country," said Col. Michael Rothstein, 35th Fighter Wing commander. "For some of us, losing someone we know makes the day even more personal, but it's also an opportunity for all of us to reflect together on their sacrifices and contributions to our nation."

As a participant in this year's ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. Kent Davis, 35th Operations Group superintendent, shared the commander's sentiments.

"The men and women who the community is paying tribute to have given the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom," said Davis. "Americans are indebted to their bravery, courage and valor. This ceremony is our way of saying, 'thank you,' and recognizing that freedom is not without sacrifice."