Memorial Day: A time to 'reconnect' Published May 26, 2011 By Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson Commander, 45th Space Wing PATRICK AFB, Fla. -- As we all know, many of us will be honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice by attending one of the many Memorial Day activities Monday that will be held here on the Space Coast and throughout the nation. And that's certainly what we should be doing. It's the least we can do. But fewer and fewer Americans are participating in these events. Even our senior leaders admit the growing "military disconnect" is real. Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Services, said much the same thing last Sunday during the graduation ceremony at West Point. "I fear they do not know us," he said of civilian Americans. "I fear they do not comprehend the full weight of the burden we carry or the price we pay when we return from battle." "This is important, because a people uninformed about what they are asking the military to endure is a people inevitably unable to fully grasp the scope of the responsibilities our Constitution levies upon them," Mullen said. That's something we can all help change, even if it¹s here on the Space Coast where folks are MOST appreciative of what we give, sacrifice and do on their behalf. What we ask is pretty simple: let's not think of Memorial Day as just another "long weekend." Because we all know it's certainly more. For those of us in uniform, for those who wore one in the past or those who work for the military (in any capacity), there are few national holidays more fitting -- more personal to each and every one of us -- than Memorial Day. It doesn't matter which event you support, it simply matters that you care enough to get involved and participate in one of the many memorial ceremonies or parades along the Space Coast (or wherever you'll be this Memorial Day). Please take some time out of your busy schedule to give back, as well as spend a moment to reflect on those who have given so much to guarantee each of us has the freedom to make a choice. And as always, thanks for all you do.