Memorial Day: a day to remember Published April 30, 2008 By Senior Master Sgt. Steven Baker 301st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Fort Worth, TEXAS -- The month of May brings a slew of holidays. There is Mothers Day, Mother Goose Day, Cinco de Mayo, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day; to name a few. All these holidays deserve recognition, each in their own right, but Memorial Day brings with it a lot of memories and emotions. Memorial Day is a day to honor those military personnel who have given their lives in the name of freedom. Our country is indebted to our fallen heroes, as well as all in the uniformed services. As we wear the uniform, we represent those who have fought and fallen. Remembering those who provided the ultimate sacrifice and fought to ensure our country can continue to progress with freedom and democracy, appears to have lost its zeal. While our military are losing their lives across the globe, now is the time to be humbled and remember what sacrifices are being made and remember that freedom is not free. Wearing the armed forces uniform means more than just serving your country; it represents the history of a country that continues to fight for those who cannot always fight for themselves, those who are oppressed, or in need of a mightier ally. The events of 9/11 brought our nation together and reestablished the bonding of the American people. The nation once again supported the military and believed in the missions the military carried out. That support and bond is fading. We, as military members, need to remind our friends and family of the importance of our jobs and the importance of always honoring those who have fallen for us. I had the opportunity recently to visit the war memorials in Washington, D.C. These memorials will carve a special place in one's heart for all our veterans who have lead and died before us. The memorial are an ominous sight and, to be in the presence of the history they honor and to feel the emotions that they personify, has embedded a deep internal memory of gratitude in me. Make a special effort to remember our fallen heroes this Memorial Day and reflect on what makes us proud -- our country and those who have fought to preserve our democracy. Fly our flag, march in our parades, spend time with those who are dear to you, and remember those who have sacrificed and died for our rights and freedom.