Robins Air Force Base honors fallen service members in annual Memorial Day ceremony

Robins AFB held its annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor fallen service members and their families.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As Memorial Day approaches, Robins Air Force Base is honoring airmen, soldiers and sailors who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. The base held its annual memorial ceremony for fallen service members on Tuesday.

The sound of the bell rang with emotion during the annual Robins Air Force Base Fallen Soldiers’ Ceremony. This event honors those who have given their lives in service to the nation.

Sergeant Alexandria Clay says the ceremony is a celebration of life.

“It is an honor to be a part of Team Robins, to bring together so many different units and to allow people a chance to connect with their greater community here at the base and with the community at large,” Clay said.

Clay says the memorial not only honors the fallen, but also the families who have suffered the loss.

“I think that there’s significance in remembrance in saying someone’s name,” Clay said. “It brings that energy to the team. It brings that energy to everyone to be able to say someone’s name, to be able to remember them and to remember that we are never forgotten.”

Lacey Nelson attended the ceremony to honor her grandfather, Jarrett Chapman Nelson, who passed away last March. He served in the Georgia Army National Guard for more than 10 years. She says the event helps keep his memory alive.

“I feel like it’s super great they have a memorial each year for the ones who have lost their lives and the ones who lost their lives after, serving with the base and in the military,” Nelson said.

Nelson offered advice for families dealing with grief.

“Just keep moving on, be there for your family, keep remembering your loved ones and show up for anything for them,” she said.

Sergeant Clay says the service is not only to honor the heroes’ military service, but their lives as well.