WASHINGTON –
We should all be very proud of our Air Force heritage. It is outstanding to see photographs, art and other memorabilia depicting a unit's heritage proudly on display when walking through a dormitory, squadron or other facility. Through visual depictions of heritage, Airmen are better able to identify with their unit mission and goals and are reminded their sacrifices are not forgotten. Think of the pride an Airman would feel pointing to a photograph hanging on the wall and saying, "Look! I was there - I took part in that operation!"
Our Airmen -- officers, enlisted and civilians -- have been engaged in continuous combat for more than 17 years. From Operations Desert Storm and Northern Watch beginning in 1991, to today's fight on the ground and in the skies of Afghanistan and Iraq with Operations
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Airmen are answering our nation's call. Even before our current fight to win the Global War on Terror, more than 52,000 brave Airmen gave their lives during World War II alone on the ground and flying in B-17s, B-24s and other aircraft ... we must never forget their sacrifices. Our Airmen continued the fight with courage and distinction from the Sobaek Mountains of Korea to the dense jungles surrounding Cam My, Vietnam.
While discussing our history, I encourage everyone who has the opportunity, to visit our Air Force Memorial in Washington, D.C. This monument embodies Airman Heritage and is a magnificent place to reflect on our Air Force past, present and future. Our Herculean combat efforts were accomplished through the toil, sweat and blood of our Airmen. Even today, Airmen are facing the enemy in battle with many paying the ultimate sacrifice and giving their lives for this great nation.
Many Airmen also experience the loss of limbs and eyesight; suffer traumatic brain injuries and other debilitating injuries; and these Airmen represent us all across America today. They too are part of our heritage.
In addition to engaging on the battlefield, our Airmen have displayed honor and courage through their involvement in life-saving humanitarian operations and world-changing training exercises around the globe. Exhibiting these acts of service within our facilities helps develop our Airmen for their role in the Air Force mission and builds pride and esprit de corps in all.
Our Airmen are professionals and we are so very proud of all they do day in and day out to preserve the banner of freedom. We show pride in our mission and our Airmen by displaying our amazing heritage! Our Airman's Creed captures what our warrior ethos means, and everywhere I go I see Airmen reciting the creed from heart. It is inspirational to see their commitment as they say the words and understand what they mean. I have seen numerous eye-catching depictions of the creed, and it makes me proud. Just as these Airmen have done, the creed should be prominently displayed in every Air Force organization along with other notable accomplishments.
We should make every effort to honor our Airmen's contributions and sacrifices toward fulfilling the Air Force mission. We do that by highlighting and displaying our Airman he