SMYRNA, Ga. -- Maj. Gen. Stayce Harris, 22nd Air Force commander, spoke to a large crowd of observers gathered at the 20th Century Veterans Memorial in Smyrna, Georgia, for a morning of remembrance in honor of Memorial Day, May 30.
Harris elaborated that the nation recognizes the loss of life from war and that those who perished fill the burial grounds in towns and cities all across the country and abroad.
“While we may remember our fallen heroes collectively, it’s important to recognize that each one has his or her own story,” Harris said. “Each loss of life was a unique sacrifice that touches the family, friends, fellow service members and community differently, and that’s why it’s so important to me to remember these heroes as individuals.”
Individuals like Petty Officer Weldon Crane, WWII veteran and Smyrna resident, remarked the ceremony was beautiful and something that he looks forward to each year.
“I haven’t missed a single one of these; and to be honest, they get better every year.” Crane said.
A desire to see more young people participate in ceremonies of remembrance is what retired Army Staff Sergeant and Korean and Vietnam war veteran, Joe Farquhar would like to see.
“I would give anything in the world for more school kids to become involved,” Farquhar said. “We need to make sure we continue to teach our young people what their freedom costs so that they appreciate and honor those who fight to give that to them.”
The 22nd Air Force commander explained freedoms are paid for by the blood of service members who die on battlefields around the world and to pay tribute to those who have perished because freedom comes with a price.
“Our freedoms are paid by the pain, suffering and woeful memories of the family members and friends they leave behind,” she said.