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Memorial Pavilion
Few ceremonies are as emotionally stirring as a military funeral honoring a fallen graduate who served our country. The presentation of the colors, a rifle salute, the playing of Taps, and the Missing Man formation are all solemn reminders of the importance of recognizing our deceased graduates in a dignified manner.
At the Air Force Academy, the number of funerals is increasing as our graduate population grows older. While services held in the chapel are truly magnificent, there is not a location at the cemetery to appropriately honor our fallen comrades. During much of the year, the Colorado weather is unpredictable.
The winters are cold and snowy. The mountain winds exist year-round. These conditions only add to a grieving family's mental anguish by putting them in a physically punishing environment.
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Additionally, because of the lack of facilities at the cemetery, current services are held at the grave-site. To attend these services, one must walk on top of other graves and seating is scattered across other grave sites. This environment does not create a solemn setting for our graduates.
As graduates of the Air Force Academy, it is our obligation to honor our classmates for their service to our nation in a dignified setting. Consequently, the Association of Graduates, through the Building Leaders of Character for the Nation campaign, has committed to secure $4 million to build a memorial pavilion at the Academy cemetery that will accommodate funeral services on this sacred ground.
For graduates, funding this facility provides a heroic opportunity to build a legacy that will honor future generations of graduates who will serve our nation in unforeseen ways. As graduates, we have the obligation to recognize those classmates and their loved ones who have gone before us and have decided to be interned at our beloved alma mater. |