Commentary: Keep the 'memorial' in Memorial Day Published May 22, 2014 By Col. Johnny Roscoe 15th Wing commander JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- When you first entered the Air Force, the thought that you could actually be killed likely felt as remote as winning the lottery, but inevitably through the years some among us had their futures torn from them. Every American generation has felt the loss of loved ones and regrettably future generations likely share the same fate. For hundreds of years and through difficult times for our country, despite the dangers, Americans have answered their nation's call. Dating back to the Civil War, Americans have set aside a day in remembrance of those who have died serving in uniform and we continue this honorable tradition today. I implore you to never forget the personal misery and loss that Memorial Day represents. From the open warfare of the World Wars to standing the line during the simmering hostilities of the Cold War, our country's existence was paid for in the blood of ordinary Americans in extraordinary circumstances. We are the living embodiment of the world created and defended by those whose lives were abruptly concluded and it is our duty to remember our fallen and stand the line in their stead in order to prevent the loss of countless others. I venture to say that very few people enter the armed forces with the firm intention of giving their life for their country. It is easy to say, "I'm willing to fight and die for my country," but you really think along the lines of Gen. Patton--the other guy's going to die for his. Rarely did any of our fallen comrades have time to come to terms with, "Today's the day I die for my country." Some begged for their lives to be spared, some cried and screamed with fear and anguish, some fought angrily until their last breath ... in the end, they died. The battle against tyranny and oppression is likely to be never-ending, but I hope that years from now people will reflect on the lives that were lost and say it was worth the cost to ensure that our country and our values would still endure.