Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen veterans U.S. Air Force Logo May 27, 2023 Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members Airman 1st Class Ethan Ego, left, and Senior Airman Moanatafa Pouesi, Yokota Air Base honor guard members, participate in a Retreat Ceremony as part of the 2023 Yokota Memorial Day Ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. Since May 30, 1968, when the holiday was first observed to commemorate the soldiers that had perished in the U.S. Civil War, the federal holiday Memorial Day has endured to reflect all conflicts since then and provides a solemn opportunity to remember fallen brothers and sisters in arms, to reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and to show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members Senior Airman Moanatafa Pouesi, Yokota Air Base honor guard, participates in a Retreat Ceremony as part of the 2023 Yokota Memorial Day Ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. Since May 30, 1968, when the holiday was first observed to commemorate the soldiers that had perished in the U.S. Civil War, the federal holiday Memorial Day has endured to reflect all conflicts since then and provides a solemn opportunity to remember fallen brothers and sisters in arms, to reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and to show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members U.S. Air Force members salute in formation during a Retreat Ceremony in honor of Memorial Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. The ceremony served as a time to reflect on those who served generations past and commemorate their selfless and courageous actions in service to their country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members From left to right, Senior Airman Zoriyah Louis, Senior Airman Moanatafa Pouesi, and Airman 1st Class Ethan Ego, Yokota Air Base honor guard members, participate in a Retreat Ceremony as part of the 2023 Yokota Memorial Day Ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. Flag folding is a part of U.S. military funeral ceremonies and is also performed during Memorial Day ceremonies to pay respects to fallen service members. Honor Guard members fold the flag in a triangle pattern 13 times to represent the original 13 U.S. colonies, displaying only blue with white stars when completed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members Airman 1st Class Ethan Ego, Yokota Air Base honor guard, fold an American flag during the 2023 Yokota Memorial Day Retreat at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. Flag folding is a part of U.S. military funeral ceremonies and is also performed during Memorial Day ceremonies to pay respects to fallen service members. Honor Guard members fold the flag in a triangle pattern 13 times to represent the original 13 U.S. colonies, displaying only blue with white stars when completed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members From left to right, Airman 1st Class Ethan Ego, Senior Airman Moanatafa Pouesi, and Senior Airman Zoriyah Louis, Yokota Air Base honor guard members, participate in a Retreat Ceremony as part of the 2023 Yokota Memorial Day Ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. Flag folding is a part of U.S. military funeral ceremonies and is also performed during Memorial Day ceremonies to pay respects to fallen service members. Honor Guard members fold the flag in a triangle pattern 13 times to represent the original 13 U.S. colonies, displaying only blue with white stars when completed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members Master Sgt. Matthew Kirkpatrick, United States Air Force Band of the Pacific trumpeter, plays taps during the 2023 Yokota Memorial Day Retreat at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. The ceremony served as a time to reflect on those who served generations past and commemorate their selfless and courageous actions in service to their country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members U.S. Air Force members salute in formation during a Retreat Ceremony in honor of Memorial Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. The ceremony served as a time to reflect on those who served generations past and commemorate their selfless and courageous actions in service to their country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, delivers closing remarks during the 2023 Yokota Memorial Day Retreat at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. Since May 30, 1968, when the holiday was first observed to commemorate the soldiers that had perished in the U.S. Civil War, the federal holiday Memorial Day has endured to reflect all conflicts since then and provides a solemn opportunity to remember fallen brothers and sisters in arms, to reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and to show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members Avalynn Mendoza, Girl Scout Brownie Troop 17 member, participates in a three flower ceremony during a Memorial Day Retreat at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. The “Three Flower Ceremony” is meant to offer solemn tribute to all members wherever they may rest. The ceremony served as a time to reflect on those who served generations past and commemorate their selfless and courageous actions in service to their country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members Col. Craig Rhyne, 374th Surgical Operations and Dental Squadron commander, delivers remarks during the 2023 Yokota Memorial Day Retreat at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. Since May 30, 1968, when the holiday was first observed to commemorate the soldiers that had perished in the U.S. Civil War, the federal holiday Memorial Day has endured to reflect all conflicts since then and provides a solemn opportunity to remember fallen brothers and sisters in arms, to reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and to show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita) Details Download Members of the 374th Airlift Wing hosted a Memorial Day ceremony to honor and pay tribute the memory all veterans that have made the ultimate sacrifice during military service at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 26, 2023. Since May 30, 1968, when the holiday was first observed to commemorate the soldiers that had perished in the U.S. Civil War, the federal holiday Memorial Day has endured to reflect all conflicts since then and provides a solemn opportunity to remember fallen brothers and sisters in arms, to reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and to show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today.