180528-F-ID976-1147
Chief Master Sgt. Michael West, a combat controller assigned to the 720th Operations Support Squadron and Silver Star recipient, speaks during the Memorial Day ceremony May 28, 2018, at Garland County Veterans Memorial and Military Park, Hot Springs National Park, Ark. West, along with retired service members, solemnly observed Memorial Day. The holiday origins can be traced back to the South during the Civil War when soldiers wanted to recognize their fallen comrades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristine M. Gruwell)