Robins AFB honors fallen service members ahead of Memorial Day

The annual ceremony included tributes to fallen military members, veterans, active-duty personnel and military families.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Robins Air Force Base is paying tribute to fallen service members as we approach Memorial Day Weekend.

The base held its annual ceremony on Thursday to honor the fallen.

Col. Johari Hemphill says it’s important to keep the names of the fallen alive.

“We are here to honor the warriors who fought for our nation,” Hemphill said. “Defended our way of life, and some who gave their lives in the cause of freedom. We offer our love and heartfelt compassion to the families who morn them.”

The ceremony honors the fallen, active-duty and retired military members, as well as base civilians. Hemphill says hosting this ceremony every year keeps these heroes’ names alive, including those of his own family members who have served.

“Therefore I understand service and sacrifice, and what it means to stand here today and remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” he said. “As we think about all the heroes on this Memorial Day weekend, we realize that there’s hallow ground receiving a new generation of heroes.”

Hemphill says the families of these men and women who serve are honored as well.

“Their sacrifice reminds me of a motto I live by to this day: people depend on us, and we’ll be there,” he said. “We remember today that everyone we recognized was a leader that we depended on. And I can tell you that the airmen at Robins Air Force Base are there, will be there, to defend the United States, our allies, and our partners.”

There was also a laying of a wreath to honor those lost this year in the line of duty.