DEFENSE DEPARTMENT REMEMBERS FALLEN HEROES ON MEMORIAL DAY
May 24, 2002
The Department of Defense will observe Memorial Day at bases, deployed locations, and ships at sea in its worldwide observance of Memorial Day.
In Washington, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz hosts the National Memorial Day Address and Wreath Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday at 11 a.m. EDT. The ceremony will include the traditional laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and remarks by Wolfowitz.
“Americans remember the debt of gratitude we owe to our veterans who gave their lives for our country,” said President Bush in his Memorial Day Proclamation . “On this important day, communities across our Nation stop to remember and to honor the great sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform,” he said.
In his Memorial Day Message , Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld urged Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
“This Memorial Day, we remember all who have fallen fighting oppression and tyranny, including the tyranny of terrorism,” said Rumsfeld. “We remember as well their families and friends – and we assure them that their loved ones will not be forgotten but will live on in the hearts and minds of all of us,” he said.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard B. Myers, in his Memorial Day 2002 Message , recognized the sacrifices of those currently serving.
“The Joint Chiefs of Staff and I join every American this Memorial Day, to pause and reflect upon the sacrifices made by so many of our fellow citizens in times of war and conflict throughout our Nation’s history,” said Myers. “We also salute the dedicated men and women of today’s Armed Forces, whether defending our homeland or serving around the world.”
This Memorial Day is especially poignant, as the Department honors those who have died while serving their country in the attack on the Pentagon and the global war on terrorism. Those killed in Operation Enduring Freedom include 47 American servicemembers .