 On April 20, 2008 three members of the Daytona Beach Fire Department Honor Guard folded this flag of the United States and placed it in the shadow box you see before you in honor of the many service men and women who valiantly serve our country. Since placement, it has traveled almost 2,600 miles to be here today May 2, 2008 at the 4th Air Force Reserve at March Air Force Base, Riverside, California. 
Along its journey, as the flag has been displayed for all to see and with each person having seen it, placed their name for YOU to see, in an expression of deepest gratitude and thanks. They could not be here with us today, but they want you to know they are thinking about you.
Integrity, Service, Excellence: Three words each taken on its own accord are enough to drive people to achieve new heights.  But when combined together, form an inseparable bond that will not tarnish with time, nor lose its tug to the heart. These few citizens, 400 who have signed this matting, representing the millions of others who also support you, send their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude for your service and sacrifice.
But the true heroes are those who are missing, those who have been or are being held prisoner of war in lands far from this gathering today, or those who have given the full measure of their devotion to their country and to its citizens. We remember them and their loved ones.
Please accept this token of our gratitude from a small portion of the citizens of these United States. You have given more than can be repaid. Thank you and may God Bless you all.
4th Air Force Reserve
March Air Force Base
Riverside, California
April 2008
|
|
