Video: Remembering The Fallen Airmen

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) -The 14th Memorial Day Retreat Ceremony this year honored some very special men who were close to the hearts of many.

As they pealed off the tape to reveal the names of the fallen airmen. Family, friends, and colleagues stood tall to pay respect.

“It’s great anytime we can take away time out of our busy days to recognize some that gave the ultimate sacrifice you know, it’s easy to do and I’m glad to be a part of it,” said Captain Dave Floryon.

The Memorial Day ceremony takes place on every military base every year. But this time two former pilot students Captain Jeffery Haney and Major Joseph McCormick from the base were honored and Chief Master Sargent Richard Etchberger was posthumously awarded of the Congressional Medal of honor. Lt.  Colonel Steve Mallette knew Major McCormick quite well.

“I flew with him for about 5 years and I knew him fairly well, he was a full time technician. He was really outgoing, kind of quiet spoken and you know he’s a family man and you know he appreciated his time with his family and he was very dedicated to his work,” said Lt. Steve Mallette.

The National Anthem was sung and our nations flag was lowered in memory of the three men. Captain Dave Floryan tells us being the speaker was more than and honor.

“It was nerve wrecking because obviously it was a big crowd but I feel very honored to be asked to do this and I just hope that I did these three guys proud,” said Capt. Floryan.

The names of the three men will now forever be read in the wing of the Memorial Plaza.

Categories: Local News

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