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Fallen remembered at Cambridge American Cemetery

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Victoria H. Taylor
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  RAF Mildenhall service members recently honored all veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country during this year's Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial.

Memorial Day is an annual tradition honoring fallen service members and originated after the American Civil War.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Douglas A. Cox, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-United Kingdom director, and Mr. Hugh Duberly, Her Majesty's Lord Lt. of Cambridgeshire, spoke at the ceremony.

"[Today we remember] those who serve in hotspots all over the world, those who recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan, to those in Desert Storm and Desert Shield, in Kosovo, Bosnia and Somalia. Cold warriors and those that served in Vietnam, Korea and those who lie in this peaceful setting," said Cox. "Their loss was a tragedy and each is missed by family, friends and a very grateful nation. The ideals they fought for survive in the U.S. and U.K. because of courage and sacrifice ... and the courage and sacrifice of our brothers and sisters who rest here."

The ceremony included the laying of wreaths, a three volley salute and a flag ceremony. British and American flags were also posted at the foot of each of the 3,812 graves.

Approximately 160 Airmen participated and more than 1,000 people attended this event to include World War II veterans and family members of fallen soldiers buried in the cemetery.