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From the entrance to the cemetery, the headstones of all 5,076 fallen service members couldn’t be seen on the cold, foggy morning Nov. 11 during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, Luxembourg, but those honoring them were clear as day.
Airmen from the 86th Munitions Squadron, Ramstein Honor Guard and Spangdahlem Air Base stood motionless, honoring centuries of sacrifice by their uniformed brethren past and present.
“We’re doing this to commemorate Veterans Day and all the veterans who have served,” said Master Sgt. Kevin Johnson, 86th MUNS. “This is especially for those who sacrificed everything to preserve freedom throughout the world. It’s our way to say thanks.”
During the ceremony, many guest speakers had the opportunity to share a few words on how to honor our veterans, including Col. Brooks Reese, 86th Logistics Readiness Group commander.
“Live your life in a manner that is worthy of their sacrifice,” Reese said. “It matters not whether you have served one day, one year, one decade, multiple decades or an entire career. I don’t believe we can ever be fully worthy of the sacrifice of those buried here. Their sacrifice is simply too big, but I do believe we can earn this.”
Reese said there are a few ways how we can earn their sacrifice.
“Strive for perfection, and settle only for excellence. Live each day in a manner that you have no regrets. Don’t focus on being better than anyone else, simply strive to be a little better today than you were yesterday and a little better tomorrow than you are today. Take every opportunity to serve your country, community, family and your fellow man,” he said.
For the Airmen standing in formation, making the choice to spend their Veterans Day honoring came easy.
“Veterans Day means a lot to me,” said Airman 1st Class Christopher Lugrand, 86th MUNS. “I make it a priority to give my respects to the people that gave their life for what they believed in. They fought and died just for the sake of doing what’s right. It’s imperative that we don’t forget them.”
This Veterans Day, the dedication of those who’ve served was not forgotten at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial as hundreds stood and gave their silent respect to the few defending the many.
