U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita ()
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 374th Airlift Wing hosted a Memorial Day ceremony to honor and pay tribute the memory all veterans that have made the ultimate sacrifice during military service at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. Since May 30, 1968, when the holiday was first observed to commemorate the soldiers that had perished in the U.S. Civil War, the federal holiday Memorial Day has endured to reflect all conflicts since then and provides a solemn opportunity to remember fallen brothers and sisters in arms, to reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and to show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today.
Photo caption:
Master Sgt. Matthew Kirkpatrick, U.S. Pacific Air Forces band trumpeter, plays taps during the 2023 Yokota Memorial Day Retreat at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. The ceremony included a formation with service members from each U.S. military branch, as well as members of the Japan Self-Defense Force, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9555 and local Girl and Boy Scout troops. The ceremony served as a time to reflect on those who served generations past and commemorate their selfless and courageous actions in service to their country.
