AFA Joins American Leaders in Memorializing the Fallen at Arlington

On May 26, Americans across the nation paused to observe Memorial Day, a solemn occasion honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country. At Arlington National Cemetery, the Air & Space Forces Association joined senior U.S. leaders in paying tribute to our nation’s fallen heroes.

This year marked the 157th official Memorial Day ceremony, held in the cemetery’s historic amphitheater. The event featured remarks from our nation’s leaders, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.

During his speech, Trump recognized the service and sacrifice of Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Elroy Harworth, a C-130 loadmaster lost in combat on May 31, 1966, during a mission from Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. Harworth’s remains were repatriated in 1986, and his name was later added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Members of his family were in attendance and were honored during the ceremony.

Following the speeches, military service organizations participated in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—a powerful tradition that symbolizes the nation’s gratitude to those who never returned home.

Col. Darian “D.J.” Padilla, USAF (Ret.), President of AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter, and Col. Bob Hill, USAF (Ret.), Chapter Secretary, represented AFA by laying a wreath at the Tomb.

“It is so important that we never forget the sacrifices that Airmen have made over the years to keep us free,” said Padilla.

The ceremony at Arlington served as a moving tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.

“Honoring our heroes reflects AFA’s ongoing commitment to honor our heritage and history,” Hill said.