433rd observes Memorial Day Published May 26, 2011 433rs Airlift Wing, Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS -- Memorial Day, once referred to as Decoration Day, was designed to honor those who have died in service to our country. With roots dating back to the Civil War, Memorial Day is a time of reflection, remembrance and thanks to those who have served honorable and nobly for the highest cause. Read Memorial Day speeches from the 433rd Airlift Wing commander as well as Air Force leaders below: 433rd Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Kenneth Lewis, Jr. Good Morning I echo Chaplain Howards' sentiments; the National Anthem with the F-16s in the background is something special and appropriate for today's ceremony. I'd like to say thank you not only to our distinguished visitors and families but to those who helped organize this event as well, MSgt Bush and the honor guard, Mrs. Marshall and the staff here. I get asked a lot why I joined the Air Force and the truth is I got into the Air Force to fly airplanes. I was a young man with a type A personality and I wanted to see the world, travel, and fly fast and upside down. The question I don't get asked often enough is why I stay in. Hopefully this will help answer a bit of that question. Our forefathers were many different things. Some were farmers, blacksmiths, doctors, lawyers... Most had one thing in common... They were well educated and well-read. They studied the writings of such great philosophers as Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, and visionaries such as John Locke. It is from their studies and their belief in God and Natural Law that they forged a new nation. This nation was founded with a heartfelt, overriding belief that certain rights are Inherent; these rights are bestowed upon us... upon all individuals not by man but by a higher power. They are God given rights to be cherished and protected. Our founders were so strong in their beliefs that they were willing to sacrifice everything they owned and lay down their lives in order to create a government system that would protect these natural rights. When they were victorious in their endeavor, they set about to codify what they had sacrificed so much for in to a document. A document that defines the Nations rule of Law based on Natural God Given Rights. This document is the Constitution of the United States. It is the rule of law that no one is above and no man can alter, as it was given by the higher power and now guaranteed by mortal law. The Constitution verifies we are all equal. The Constitution ensures individuals the natural rights to our freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to keep and bear arms, freedom to be secure in their person and homes and effects among others. From the beginning of our nation's history, our forefathers sacrificed to ensure our freedom. We come here today not just to morn our fallen Airmen; we come here today to honor them For Soldiers, sailors, Marines and our very own Airmen have laid down their lives to make sure our way of life continues. We pray for the families of the fallen. We pray that they are given the strength to endure We pray they are comforted with the knowledge that their sacrifice was for the loftiest of causes. Today we mourn their sacrifice, we grieve our loss... we miss these fathers, mothers, sons and daughters...patriots all. But on this Memorial Day, we silently rejoice that there are heroes past, present and future that have taken the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, thereby pledging their lives to ensure our freedom, our families' freedoms and the freedom of sons and daughters of future generations. As military members and civil service workers we do our part as we are assigned in order to secure our way of life. Be it flying, manning a gate, building a facility, transporting patients... we all do our part. Today while we mourn the deaths of so many we also honor their memory and what they stood for. Because of them...Today we are Free!!! Thank you for coming and being part of this ceremony. Air Force Leadership Memorial Day Message Key leaders' Memorial Day letter to Airmen