ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England -- Col. Gene Jacobus, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, alongside hundreds of Team Mildenhall Airmen commemorate the fallen during the Remembrance Day weekend proceedings spanning the local area beginning Nov. 11, 2022.
Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, marks the day World War I ended, at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, back in 1918. The holiday commemorates British and allied service members who have died in wars and other military conflicts since the onset of World War I. Remembrance Sunday is always held on the closest Sunday to Nov. 11 each year. Armistice Day is Nov. 11 and both days are marked with two-minutes silence, to remember those who lost their lives, nowadays remembering those from all wars, not just World War I and II. This day is also recognized in the United States as Veterans Day honoring past and present members of the armed services.
RAF Mildenhall displays community support by having representatives participate in annual Remembrance Day events across the local area. These events have been supported for many years and usually by the same squadrons.
This year, Team Mildenhall participated in 24 Remembrance weekend events across Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
Earlier today, Nov. 11, Team Mildenhall participated in ceremonies at the Bury St. Edmunds Festival of Remembrance, Cambridge American Cemetery, and Ashdon War Memorial for US Veterans Day services.
Team Mildenhall will also participate in wreath-laying events Nov. 12, in West Row, Kenny Hill, and Bury St. Edmunds. Wreath laying ceremonies are a traditional practice where wreaths are laid at a memorial site or a grave as a mark of respect towards a specific tribute.
“Each one of those wreath layers, whether Honor Guard or members of our marching contingent, are always so honored to be a part of such an important weekend in the local community to remember those who lost their lives in conflict,” said Natalie Murphy, 100th ARW community relations advisor.
This year, Remembrance Sunday is Nov 13. Team Mildenhall will be in full force, showing our respect to the fallen in many locations including Ely, Cambridge, Northampton, Soham, Sudbury, Newmarket, Fakenham, and Red Lodge.
“I am honoured to be joined by our close allies from the U.S. Air Force as the U.K. unites across all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community in defending our democratic freedoms and way of life,” said Sqn. Ldr. Andy Bell, RAF Mildenhall station commander. “We will remember them."