Memorial Day, 2010

To the Airmen of the United States Air Force and their Families:

Originally known as Decoration Day, this day was dedicated in 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, to remember and honor the fallen. Since that time, Memorial Day has served as an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of the more than one million Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen who have made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms.

Today, we have more than 39,000 Airmen deployed to 260 locations across the globe, as an additional 130,000  Airmen support combatant command operations from their home stations. While our operations tempo is high, you, our Nation's Airmen continue to set the standard for excellence. We are continuously reminded of the courage, commitment, and sacrifice you offer on a daily basis.

In addition to recognizing the service of our fellow Airmen, please also join us as we honor the families of those wounded or who have fallen in defense of our freedoms. Husbands and wives, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers--they all serve and sacrifice in their own quiet, but certainly consequential and valued way. In this past year, some Airmen made the ultimate sacrifice, others returned to their families bearing scars of battle. These Airmen and their families are vital to our Air Force Family, and their sacrifices will always be remembered.

This Memorial Day, let us as a Nation and a Service renew our commitment to those wearing the Nation's cloth, and to their families. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed, and a proud Nation is thankful for your service.