Honoring sacrifices past and present Published June 8, 2006 By Lt. Col. Patrick Miller 3rd Airlift Squadron DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Before we set out this Memorial Day weekend, it is fitting to reflect upon the importance of this time-honored holiday. I hope all of you enjoy this weekend with family and friends, whether at a parade, cookout, family reunion, ball game or any other activity filled with joy and togetherness. Many will also spend time in the solemn act of placing flowers on the graves of our beloved. As Americans, we must all remember that we enjoy these times of family and friends because of the ultimate sacrifice of those who went before us, gracing our future. Memorial Day began as a remembrance of Civil War veterans. As early as 1866, residents of Waterloo, N.Y, decorated the graves of fallen Civil War veterans. They remembered the sacrifice of those who had died for the cause of freedom. One hundred years later, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson and Congress recognized Waterloo as the birthplace of Memorial Day. While the history books are filled with stories on the origins of the Memorial Day observance, one thing remains certain - Americans continue to honor the enormous sacrifices of all the servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate price for freedom. And America continues to thank those who serve today. No survivor of the Civil War remains, but the memory of a grateful Nation does not fade. We remember those of each generation who answered the call. Today, our remembrances often take the form of parades with marching bands, numerous veterans from Desert Storm, Korea and Vietnam and ever-diminishing numbers of older servicemembers who served in World War II. At Dover Air Force Base, we have the special duty and privilege of returning America's Fallen Heroes with dignity, honor and respect. Each time we attend or participate in one of these events we honor those who came before us and acknowledge the great inheritance they have left us. As the meaning of Memorial Day continues to evolve, we note that, in addition to its historical significance, it has become the holiday that starts the summer season. It is celebrated with backyard barbecues, outdoor picnics and parades. It begins what is perhaps the time of year when we most enjoy the graces that have been handed down to us and the unhindered way of life that many of us take for granted. So while you are comfortably enjoying the barbecue, ice cream sundae or ball game and spending time with your child, look into their eyes and see the brilliant, unbridled energy and future of our Nation. Rest assured, we are able to cherish these moments of grace because of the selfless sacrifices of the members of our armed services. These freedoms were bought and paid for by the lives of heroes few of us actually knew. These words, thoughts and memories are not new. They are echoed time and again in the words of past and present leaders while embracing tomorrow's. As a Nation at war, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, the men and women of our armed services, and your families. We are ever so thankful for your resolute answer to the call of duty around the world. Your service today guarantees future generations will be able to celebrate Memorial Day in a land of freedom. America is forever indebted to you and your families for your unwavering commitment to the service of defending our Nation. Thank you for what you do every day for America. Today, you grace the future of a grateful Nation. God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.