Four service members, representing each of the four branches, spoke from patriotic readings detailing the history of Memorial Day and the cost of freedom.
“I thought about a graveyard at the bottom of the sea, of unmarked graves in Arlington,”read Air Force Senior Airman Joseph Soldano, a Jamestown, N.Y. native. “No, Freedom isn’t free.”
The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Band played several patriotic standards, and in keeping with the multi-service sentiments of the evening, a medley of service songs.
After a moment of silence and a prayer led by Chaplain Lt. Col. John Morris, a flyover and a 21-gun salute capped the service.
After the Memorial Day service, the Minneapolis-based band Catchpenny, 2009 Armed Services Entertainers of the Year, played. “I just think there’s no better place to be than here. It’s an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we’re happy to be here,” said lead guitarist Christian Schauf, who has a brother in the Minnesota National Guard.
The night ended a busy Memorial Day weekend for Soldiers stationed here. On Saturday, they were treated to performances by local talent around the base as part of the music competition Basra Idol, the 34th Inf. Div. rock band “The Red Devils” and the 34th Inf. Div. country band “The Red Riders.” On Sunday, Soldiers had the opportunity to take part in a 12-kilometer race, a volleyball tournament and a softball tournament.
