Memorial Day Ceremony conducted at NAF Atsugi

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Rafael Avelar | 210527-N-VI040-1144 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi commanding officer, Capt. Manning Montagnet, salutes an American flag-draped coffin during a Memorial Day observance ceremony held at the base theater onboard the installation May 27, 2021. NAF Atsugi hosted this ceremony to honor all who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rafael Avelar)  

KANAGAWA, JAPAN

05.27.2021

Courtesy Story

Naval Air Facility Atsugi

ATSUGI, Japan (May 27, 2021) - Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi hosted a Memorial Day ceremony to honor all brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States at Alliance Park aboard the installation, May 27.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, commemorating the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The holiday was formerly observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970.

NAF Atsugi commanding officer, Capt. Manning Montagnet served as the observance officer for the ceremony.

"Of course, it is entirely fitting that we set aside a period to memorialize and actively remember those Americans who fought monumental challenges
around the world in the defense of our country, basic freedoms, and human rights. We remember the great victories. But more than that, we remember
the great human sacrifices it took to achieve those victories."

After taking the audience on a verbal tour of the history of Memorial Day, which began shortly after the end of the American Civil War as Decoration
Day, Montagnet introduced the guest speaker, retired Yeoman Senior Chief Ed Harris.

"It is for good reason that we gather together today with countless others Americans across the nation, and across the world," said Harris, who also
works aboard the base as the command installation security manager. Harris is also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) since 2018.

"Regardless of race, creed or political persuasion, we gather in unified and solemn remembrance to honor the sacrifices of those who answered their
nation's call and who have willingly laid down their life for our freedoms."

Harris continued on to say that Memorial Day is a rare day of opportunity to give thanks for all we as American citizens have been blessed with.

"Even though the true meaning of the day is sometimes lost to commercialism or drowned in forgetful indulgence, everyone in attendance today recognizes the magnitude of the accomplishment and the deeds of the men and women who helped to the idea that evil and tyranny must not, and will not prevail," said Harris.

Memorial Day, which is also considered the unofficial beginning of the summer in the United States, typically sees many people of all different
walks of life visiting cemeteries and memorials on to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. Military. Many volunteers place an
American flag on graves of military personnel in national cemeteries.

For NAF Atsugi, a flag and honorable wreath laying ceremony with service members of every branch of service providing one wreath each - was conducted to conclude the festivities.

For those in attendance, it was a memorable experience.

"As I stood in ranks, I was thinking about how I was in boot camp then coming to Japan to serve my country," said Yeoman third class Dora Monterozavaleta, who was a part of the final salute detail. "I thought about my parents who are Mexican immigrants, and how much they sacrificed for me to be where I am today. It just made it extra special for me to be a part of a ceremony of this magnitude and I am extremely grateful."

• Date Taken: 05.27.2021
• Date Posted: 06.10.2021 01:42
• Story ID: 398549
• Location: KANAGAWA, JP