Commentary: We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow Published June 5, 2014 By Senior Master Sgt. Christopher J. Kerr 312th Airlift Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the poem In Fander's Field, Lt. Col. John McCrae describes what he saw and felt from the back of an ambulance near a World War I battlefield in Ypres, Belgium, May 3, 1915. His poem reminds us to never forget those who have died protecting our freedom. Throughout our careers and experiences, with all the tradition and heritage that is sometimes hidden in the recesses of our minds, it only takes a simple moment of remembrance to embrace the patriotism and honor the citizens of our great nation bestow on those in uniform. Whether it's seeing our flag waving in the Delta breeze, hearing the sounds of Reveille, Retreat or Taps, standing at attention during the National Anthem at a ball game, attending a memorial service or simply putting on your uniform, these moments spark the pride and honor of our profession of arms. It is not just the job we do every day, but the validation and dedication that we have the resolve to serve our country and defend the inalienable freedoms and rights defined in our Constitution. We must never forget our purpose, but we also have a duty to ensure that all Airmen recognize the significance of being part of the military. This past Memorial Day, in the sleepy town of Manteca, California, I had the rare opportunity of participating in the Not Forgotten Memorial Foundation's ceremonies honoring U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Emily Perez and her Gold Star family. Emily Perez was the first female minority Cadet Command Sergeant Major in the history of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Perez was born in Heidelberg, Germany, to military parents. She graduated from The Military Academy at West Point in May, 2005. Lt. Perez received a commission as a Medical Service Officer. 2nd Lt. Perez was killed on Sept. 12, 2006, when a makeshift bomb exploded near her Humvee during combat operations near Al Kifl, Iraq. 2nd Lt. Perez was only 23 years old when she made the ultimate sacrifice. 2nd Lt. Perez was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. This Memorial Day, the Not Forgotten Memorial Foundation presented Lt Perez' family with the Purple Heart and dedicated the 6th panel of the Welcome Home Heroes Traveling Tribute to 2nd Lt. Perez, symbolizing her sacrifice and service to our country. This annual Memorial Day weekend event brings the community together in remembrance of our fallen heroes and their families. The events also recognize the thousands of wounded warriors, fallen heroes and veterans from all branches of service. The effort and impact that this event produces from the community not only makes you realize how important and honorable it is to serve, but reminds us that we are appreciated more than we may realize. It is hard to describe how much support was offered by the more than 20,000 people attending this function, not only because of town's geographic location, but because of the vast group of veterans, service members and citizens that volunteered their time to proudly make this moment rewarding, inspiring and humbling. I drove home from the Memorial Day ceremonies reminded of the important work that we do, the sacrifices we make and tremendous support we have from the American people.