Base joins city's Memorial Day observance Published June 8, 2006 By Airman 1st Class James Bolinger 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Team Dover joined the local community to observe Memorial Day at the Memorial Triangle in historic downtown Dover. Col. Robert King, 436th Mission Support Group commander, was the guest speaker for the event along with Stephen Speed, City of Dover mayor. "Today we pause to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this Nation, the fallen warriors who never came home to their families and friends," said Colonel King. "Memorial Day is one day each year on which we can reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made by our fellow countrymen." A nine-member team from the Dover Air Force Base Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute and Taps. "This was my first Memorial Day ceremony since joining the Honor Guard," Senior Airman Jason Davis, Honor Guard member. "I felt honored to be part of the ceremony. I have a deeper respect and sense of pride for what they did to pave the way for our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen today." A member of the American Legion read two lists of names during the ceremony. One was a list of Delaware veterans who passed away since last year's ceremony. He also read of the names of every Delaware service member killed supporting the Global War on Terror since this time last year. "What stuck out most in my mind (from the ceremony) was the large amount of people that came out to support the parade and actual ceremony," said Airman Davis. "A lot of people came up to me afterwards and thanked (the Honor Guard) for coming." More than 200 Dover residents attended the event, including Airmen from Dover AFB. This shows the relationship Dover Air Force Base has with the surrounding community, said Colonel King. "Every life lost is a tragedy," he said. "All we can do is remember the sacrifices made for us and for our freedom."