Misawa Air Base remembers the Fallen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marie Brown
  • 35th Fighter Wing/Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  On May 26, an audience of more than 300 servicemembers, their families, veterans and Japan Air Self-Defense Force paid tribute to fallen servicemembers in a special Memorial Day retreat ceremony outside the 35th Figther Wing headquarters building.

"Memorial Day is about reconciliation and remembrance," said Maj. Richard Barnhart, 35th Contracting Squadron commander. "It is about coming together to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to the service of our great country."

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is a day for people to reflect and recognize their deceased relatives, while also commemorating all U.S. servicemembers who died in our nation's service.

"It's very important to be out here on Memorial Day to recognize those who fought and died in the many wars including the Vietnam," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Dave Barton. "It's important to remember those who didn't come home after the wars and have proper respect for them."

In addition to the retreat ceremony, the 35th Security Forces Squadron held a Memorial Day ruck march around the base's perimeter to remember all servicemembers lost.

"We need to recognize those who have fallen and who are missing in action, and remember those who have long served before us," said Staff Sgt. Jason Kidd, 35th SFS customs officer. "We need to continue that service and show our pride today."