There are few things more powerful than watching the missing man formation — a flying salute to a fallen comrade that concludes with the number 3 aircraft executing an abrupt vertical climb, disappearing into the sky, and providing a somber reminder that that formation is incomplete; a hero won’t be coming home.
As we begin this Memorial Day, we wanted to take a deliberate pause and remember the sacrifices of our fighting men and women. After 15 years of continuous conflict, we’ve largely become desensitized to the selfless service of our airmen, soldiers, sailors, and marines. But every single day thousands of America’s finest citizens place themselves in harm’s way, safeguarding the freedom we enjoy — just as they have since the founding of our nation. So as we fire up the grill and gather around family and friends, we remember the fallen heroes, thankful for their sacrifice and grateful for the time we had with them.
Here’s a toast to Bama, Matt, Das, Salty, Trojan, GAZA, Pyro, Mano, Pitbull, Lag, Piston, and the countless other heroes that won’t be coming home. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.