MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – A gaggle of Airmen solemnly stood watch as a detail of four marched to position themselves at the base of the flagpole. In silence, each member of the flag detail waited attentively for the sound of the National Anthem to signal they could lower the flag and begin rendering honors.
Although this is the normal procedure for a routine Retreat ceremony, one important detail made this event different from the others – it was Memorial Day.
In honor of Memorial Day, MacDill held a ceremony at its Air Park to pay respect to fallen heroes on May 26, 2017, just before the holiday weekend.
"Our Nation does not forget the Airmen – the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines – who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Col. Jennifer Barrett, 6th Air Mobility Wing vice commander. “They were, and still are, cared for during their final journey home.
"Memorial Day is a day to remember; remember our service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great country. Whether that was in conflict, in direct support of combat operations or if they gave their last while in the line of duty doing their jobs.”
Following opening remarks provided by Barrett, the flag detail preceded to render honors to the American flag.
Each of the four Airmen moved with ceremonious precision as they lowered, presented and folded the flag. You could have heard a pin drop as the flag received a final salute as every Airman stood like stone behind the commander, paying their respects to those lost.
The detail formed up and calmly marched away. Upon the detail’s departure, those in attendance were released for the Memorial Day weekend.
“We always embrace these opportunities,” said Senior Airman Kevin Beasley, an air traffic controller assigned to the 6th Operations Support Squadron and member of the flag detail. “It's always a pleasure to honor those who fought for our freedom.”