WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Col. John McKaye, commander of the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group was the key note speaker at the Memorial Day observance held at the Evergreen Cemetery in West Carrollton, Ohio May 27, 2018.
The colonel spoke about the meaning of Memorial Day; its past, its present and its future.
"For decades, Memorial Day has been a day in our nation when stores closed and communities gathered together for a day of parades and other celebrations with a patriotic theme. Memorial Day meant ceremonies at cemeteries around the country, speeches honoring those who gave their lives, the laying of wreaths, the playing of Taps. It is a time for our Nation to reflect -- to remember and honor the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending or supporting our great country, its interests and its ideals.
"Today is just one day for Americans to pay homage to those who died serving our Nation and acknowledge the immense debt we owe them and the families and loved ones they left behind."