Memorial Day: Honoring 60 Years of EUCOM Sacrifices that Kept our Nation Secure

A Navy bugler sounds "Taps" at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial Day is a time of reflection for our nation – and especially for our service members – as we honor those who gave their lives so that others may live. However, this year’s Memorial Day is even more significant, as August 1, 2012 marks the 60^th anniversary of the inception of U.S. European Command (EUCOM).

My father served as a U.S. Marine during the Korean War.  At the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. the wording on the sidewalk reads, "Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and people they never met." Those words eloquently express the gratitude we feel toward our fallen heroes.

From Korea and the Cold War to more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Libya, the men and women of EUCOM have fought around the globe the past 60 years to protect the United States, our allies and partner nations. As we celebrate our command’s heritage, we do so with heavy hearts, as we also remember that our successes came at a steep cost.

However, this cost was not borne by us alone. While Memorial Day is a U.S. event, I also want to express my deep gratitude to our NATO allies and partner nations, who have also suffered the loss of many of their brave warriors. They have served shoulder-to-shoulder with us, and continue to do so, to protect freedom around the world.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. But, let us take some time to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation secure.
 

Admiral Jim Stavridis
Commander, U.S. European Command and
Supreme Allied Commander Europe