THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
Airmen from the USAF base at RAF Mildenhall led by Col. Gene Jacobus, commander of the 100th Air Refueling Wing, commemorated the fallen today, beginning a weekend of remembrance events.
Today is Remembrance Day in the UK, also known as Armistice Day, marks the day World War I ended, at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, back in 1918. The holiday commemorates British and Allied service members who have died in wars and other military conflicts since the onset of World War I. The day is also recognized in the United States as Veterans Day honoring past and present members of the armed services.
Earlier today, Team Mildenhall participated in ceremonies at the Bury St. Edmunds Festival of Remembrance, Cambridge American Cemetery, and Ashdon War Memorial for US Veterans Day services. They will also participate in wreath-laying events Saturday November 12, in West Row, Kenny Hill, and Bury St. Edmunds in the local area, followed by events in Ely, Cambridge, Northampton, Soham, Sudbury, Newmarket, Fakenham, and Red Lodge November 13. A service and wreath-laying ceremony will also be held Sunday at the American Cemetery at Brookwood, Surrey.
Wreath laying ceremonies are a traditional practice where wreaths are laid at a memorial site or a grave as a mark of respect towards a specific tribute. “Each one of those wreath layers, whether Honor Guard or members of our marching contingent, are always so honored to be a part of such an important weekend in the local community to remember those who lost their lives in conflict,” said Natalie Murphy, 100th ARW community relations advisor.
In the UK Remembrance Sunday is always held on the closest Sunday to November 11 each year. Local commemoration events and services will be held in cities, towns and villages across the UK. This is also the day on which current and former soldiers, sailors, airmen and women from British and Commonwealth forces march past the Cenotaph war memorial in Whitehall, London, together with members of the emergency services and civilians. The march past also includes invited participants from other countries and has previously included the US Marine Corps League. The commemorations, the first to be led by King Charles III, will be shown live on BBC TV starting 10:15am.
“I am honoured to be joined by our close allies from the U.S. Air Force as the U.K. unites across all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community in defending our democratic freedoms and way of life,” said Sqn. Ldr. Andy Bell, RAF Mildenhall station commander. “We will remember them.”
