F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- On the last Monday in May, the United States takes time to honor and mourn the service members who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The day of observance started shortly after the Civil War. The Civil War claimed more lives than any other conflict in United States history. In fact, September 17, 1862 was the bloodiest single day in American military history accounting for 23,000 killed or wounded in action. With the end of the Civil War, our nation created its first national cemeteries.
As we remember the selfless service of our service members on Memorial Day, let us not forget those service members who never returned home. Today, The American Battle Monuments Commission maintains cemeteries in 17 countries for those killed in action. I have visited these cemeteries in both Luxembourg and Normandy--these cemeteries and memorials are among the most beautiful and meticulously maintained in the world. There are 207,621 service members from World War I and World War II remembered at these sites.
As we reflect on the selfless service of these military service members, I’ve highlighted three:
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The Somme American Cemetery – Nurse Helen Fairchild is buried at The Somme American Cemetery among 1,800 American warriors from World War I. Nurse Fairchild was a warrior and in combat. Her devotion to serving her patients is legendary. Nurse Helen Fairchild died during a gas attack at her aid station when she selflessly gave her gas mask to a wounded soldier.
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Ardennes American Cemetery – Major John L. Jerstad, Congressional Medal of Honor, is buried at Ardennes American Cemetery alongside 5,162 Americans, with 65 percent of those being fallen airmen of the U.S. Army Air Forces. An excerpt from Major Jerstad’s Medal of Honor citation reads: “Although he had completed more than his share of missions and was no longer connected with his group, so high was his conception of duty that he volunteered to lead the formation in the correct belief that his participation would contribute materially to the success of this attack.”
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Luxembourg American Cemetery—Staff Sergeant Day G. Turner, Congressional Medal of Honor, is buried at Luxembourg American Cemetery with 5,070 of his fellow Americans. Sergeant Turner’s Medal of Honor citation reads: “He commanded a nine-man squad with the mission of holding a critical flank position. When overwhelming numbers of the enemy attacked under cover of withering artillery, mortar, and rocket fire, he withdrew his squad into a nearby house, determined to defend it to the last man. The savage fight raged for four hours, and finally, when only three men of the defending squad were left unwounded, the enemy surrendered. Twenty-five prisoners were taken, 11 enemy dead and a great number of wounded were counted.”
As we remember the thousands of service members who gave the last full measure of devotion for our nation, we also remember the sacrifice of their families and loved ones left behind. As we stand alert to defend our nation, we must never forget the sacrifice of our fallen service members and the sacrifice of their families.
Chief Orf and I remain humbled with the honor of leading you and serving you and your families.