Gunfighters participate in Memorial Day event

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Memorial Day is more than just an extra-long weekend or a chance to get the first sunburn of the year. This weekend is set aside to remember and honor U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation.

More than 250 military personnel and civilians attended a Memorial Day ceremony May 28, at Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain Home, Idaho, to honor fallen United States veterans from all branches of service.

The ceremony also included a speech by keynote speaker Idaho state Senator Michelle Stennett and a presentation of wreaths by more than 18 groups including the Gold Star Mothers of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Posts 26 and 101.

"It was important for me to participate in the ceremony because one of the reasons I joined the Air Force was to honor and remember those who died for our country," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Cannon, 366th Medical Group lab technician. "All of us are proud to be here today representing the base."

As usual, service members from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, stood in formation throughout the ceremony as a visual reminder of the unique relationship the base has with the local community.

"The relationship the base has with the city of Mountain Home is unlike any relationship I have ever seen," said Col. Bruce Smith, 366th Fighter Wing vice commander. "The local community truly respects what we as Gunfighters do, and we are extremely proud to be associated with them."

The American Legion Riders, a veteran-based motorcycle group, started the ceremony off by riding their personal motorcycles into the cemetery, displaying the various flags of the United States military services, flags marking the major U.S. military conflicts and flags of other related organizations such as POW/MIA.

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence followed by "Taps" and the Legion Honor Guard performing a 21-gun salute.

"It is important for everyone to show support for and honor our veterans," said Smith.