Team Yokota remembers fallen heroes on Memorial Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  American Legion Post 2222 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9555 hosted Memorial Day ceremonies here May 31 to pay tribute to the men and women who have died serving their country.

Team Yokota residents joined Col. Otto Feather, 374th Airlift Wing commander, and retired Army Sgt. 1st Class John Pierce, commander of American Legion Post 2222, to honor the over 1.3 million U.S. servicemembers who have died in combat since the American Revolution.

"We are here today to honor the memory of all those who offered their lives to this country," said Mr. Pierce. "Those whose footfalls call no sound, but in the memory of mankind, their souls go marching on."

In his speech given at Nina Circle, Colonel Feather reminded attendees of the high cost of freedom.

"We gather by choice and not because of a decree by those who would rule us," said Colonel Feather. "The freedom we enjoy was achieved and is held by people who recognize that liberty is an inalienable right granted to us by God."

Colonel Feather also spoke about how important it is to never forget those who stepped up when their nation called.

"We stand here today because it is our duty and an honor to recognize their sacrifice and pay homage to their deeds; but mostly to remember. To remember that their last full measure of devotion was also paid by their mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, spouses, children and by their comrades," said Colonel Feather. "Their loss affects us all."

Mr. Pierce said Memorial Day holds a special place in his heart while he reflected on his role in combat.

"I've carried dying men on the field of battle, I've been wounded myself four times," said Mr. Pierce. "We should never forget those that give the ultimate sacrifice."

In his closing remarks, Colonel Feather spoke about honoring the memory of those lost in battle.

"I believe the greatest tribute we can show our fallen is to honor their memory by not squandering their legacy," the colonel said. "As free men and women, we must take this opportunity to reflect and remember that a government of the people is the responsibility of every one of us and sustaining that freedom requires sacrifice."