Memorial Day 2021

  • Published
  • Air Force Reserve Public Affairs

Heroes of the Air Force Reserve,

In 1868, Major General John Logan, the head of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans’ organization, declared the establishment of Decoration Day, the precursor to Memorial Day, with these words: “Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

Since the founding of our Nation, every generation has been called upon to continually secure the promise of liberty for future generations. The current generation of Reserve Citizen Airmen is no different. On Memorial Day, we pause to remember those comrades in arms who stood in harm’s way and did not return. Since 2001, the United States has observed the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day, encouraging all Americans to pause at 1500 local time for one minute to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life. As you spend well deserved time with your loved ones, we encourage you to join us in this commemoration.

Memorial Day is also the unofficial beginning of summer. As many states begin to reopen from the past year of COVID-19 restrictions and quarantines, we ask that you keep safety at the forefront of your minds. We have made great strides toward rolling back the worst pandemic in a century, in part, because of your heroic efforts. We are proud to serve with each of you and grateful for everything that you do.

We wish you all a peaceful and safe Memorial Day weekend.


TIMOTHY C. WHITE JR.                                                                                                        RICHARD W. SCOBEE
Chief Master Sergeant, USAF                                                                                                Lieutenant General, USAF
Command Chief                                                                                                                      Commander